 Imatinib 400 Tablet should be taken with food, but better to have it same time every day to get the most benefit. You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Let your doctor know if you experience unexpected rapid weight gain. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood cells and liver function while you are taking this medicine. Do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus if you experience dizziness and blurry vision.
Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
USES OF IMATINIB TABLET
- Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
- Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumour
BENEFITS OF IMATINIB TABLET
In Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Imatinib 400 Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
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SIDE EFFECTS OF IMATINIB TABLET
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Imatinib
- Edema (swelling)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramp
- Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
HOW TO USE IMATINIB TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Imatinib 400 Tablet is to be taken with food.
HOW IMATINIB TABLET WORKS
Imatinib 400 Tablet 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.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Imatinib 400 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Imatinib 400 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Imatinib 400 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Lactating women should not breastfeed while using this drug and one month after stopping it.
Lactating women should not breastfeed while using this drug and one month after stopping it.
Driving
UNSAFE
Imatinib 400 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Imatinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Imatinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Imatinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Imatinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
