Imatinib
Imatinib Products are primarily used for
Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia), Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia), Gastrointestinal stromal tumour
About Imatinib Products
Uses of Imatinib Products
Imatinib mesylate is used in the treatment of blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), blood cancer (acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
Imatinib Products side effects
Common
Side Effects of Imatinib are Edema (swelling), Fatigue, Rash, Fever, Hair loss, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Joint pain, Muscle pain, Weight gain, Night sweats, Itching, Gastrointestinal toxicity, Blood cell abnormalities, Liver toxicity, Renal toxicity, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Upper respiratory tract infection.
How Imatinib Products work
Imatinib mesylate is an anti-cancer medication. A protein enzyme, bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, responsible for the growth of abnormal proliferation of cancer cells. This medicine inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis (planned cell death) in bcr-abl positive cells (cancer cells). This is how it works to stop or slow the spread of cancer.
Patient Concerns about Imatinib Products
Frequently asked questions about Imatinib Products
Frequently asked questions about Imatinib mesylate
Q. Can Imatinib 400 Tablet be taken with food?
Yes, the best way to take it is with a glass of water and food. This prevents irritation in the food pipe and stomach. If you cannot swallow it, put the tablets in a glass of water or apple juice (approximately 50 ml for a 100 mg tablet and 200 ml for a 400 mg tablet). Stir it with a spoon to make it uniform and drink it immediately.
Q. Is it safe to drive while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet?
Imatinib 400 Tablet may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or drowsiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car or operate machinery.
Q. What precautions need to be followed while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet?
While taking Imatinib 400 Tablet, make sure you follow all the instructions given by your doctor, carefully and keep all appointments. You will need regular follow-up to ensure that the treatment is working. Regular blood tests, weight checks, and urine tests may be required to find out any side effects before it becomes serious. Make sure you use a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Imatinib 400 Tablet. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you are about to start taking any new medicine, remind your doctor that you are taking Imatinib 400 Tablet.
Q. Ever since I started using Imatinib 400 Tablet, I have noticed that I develop rashes and severe itching when I have sun exposure. Is it because of the medicine or the disease?
This medicine may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight than it normally is. Exposure to sunlight may cause skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin, tell your doctor.
Q. The doctor has advised me not to take any medicine on my own while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet. Should I consult my doctor even if I need to take paracetamol for my fever?
Yes, there are a number of medicines which interfere with Imatinib 400 Tablet, including paracetamol. Therefore you should not self medicate while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet. Other medicines which interfere with Imatinib 400 Tablet include cyclosporin, dexamethasone (a steroid), warfarin, antiviral medicines which treat AIDS and some medicines which treat bacterial infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, and mental disorders and depression. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine, and inform him that you are on Imatinib 400 Tablet therapy.
Q. Can I expect that if I take Imatinib 400 Tablet regularly and as advised by the doctor for CML, I will be cured?
Imatinib 400 Tablet has proved effective in many cases of CML. It is also noticed that the chances of survival increase after taking this medicine. The doctor who is treating CML can tell you better. The doctor will analyze your current state, blood test results, response to treatment, any other medical illness which you may be having, etc. and tell you.