Imatinib Tablet: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Imatinib is used to treat certain types of leukaemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer.

It also prevents certain tumours of the stomach and digestive system.

Imatinib 400mg Tablet Uses

Imatinib medications are used to treat various cancers, such as lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, and myelodysplastic diseases.

Imatinib works by stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is used to treat immune system disorders such as aggressive systemic mastocytosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Commonly Used For:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Key Benefits:

• Specifically targets cancer cells while sparing healthy cells
• Significantly improves survival in CML and GIST
• Oral administration (tablet form), making it convenient for long-term use

Conditions Imatinib Treats:

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) - first-line treatment in various phases
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) - especially those with c-KIT mutations
• Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
• Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD)
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) - a rare skin cancer

How Does Imatinib Work?

Imatinib works by blocking tyrosine kinase enzymes that signal cancer cells to grow. These enzymes are often overactive or mutated in cancers like CML and GIST.

• In CML, it blocks the BCR-ABL fusion protein
• In GIST, it blocks KIT (CD117) and PDGFRA proteins
• Prevents the abnormal growth and replication of cancer cells

This targeted approach reduces damage to healthy cells compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Dosage of Imatinib

Typical Dosage Instructions:

• CML: 400-600 mg once daily (may increase to 800 mg)
• GIST: 400 mg once or twice daily
• Take with a meal and a full glass of water to reduce stomach irritation

Always follow the prescribing oncologist's dosage instructions.

What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?

• Missing one or two doses of Imatinib will not affect your body. The skipped dose will cause no problem.
• However, with some medications, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose, some sudden chemical change may affect your body.
• In some cases, your doctor advises you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

What Happens in Case of Overdose?

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Imatinib tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Seek immediate medical attention for suspected overdose.

Imatinib Side effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Joint swelling or pain
• Sweating
• Rashes
• Itching

Some of the severe side effects of Imatinib are:

• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Coughing up bloody mucus
• Chest pain
• Peeling or blistering of the skin
• Unusual Bruising
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain

If you have any of these severe symptoms, immediately contact your Doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Imatinib, if you get any reactions in your body, try avoiding it.

A doctor advised you to take the medicines after seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine, which are more significant than the side effects.

The majority of the people who use this medicine don't experience any side effects.get medical help immediately if you experience any severe side effects from Imatinib.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Imatinib, talk to your doctor if you're allergic to any other medications. The product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other serious problems.

Before using the medications, talk to your Doctor if you have any medical history:

• Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Underactive Thyroid
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Stomach ulcer
• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy

Imatinib can cause infections and worsen the situation. Avoid getting into contact with people who have diseases that can spread to others, like chickenpox and the flu.

Talk to your doctor if you're exposed to any of the viral infections.

Warnings for some Health Conditions

Pregnancy

Imatinib can harm the unborn baby or can lead to some congenital disabilities.

Breastfeeding

Avoid feeding your baby at least for one month if you're taking Imatinib.

Use With Caution If You Have:

• Liver or kidney problems
• Heart disease or fluid retention
• History of gastrointestinal bleeding

How to take Imatinib?

Follow the directions written on the prescription label and read all the medication guides or instruction sheets. Take Imatinib with a meal and a large glass of water.

If you are unable to swallow the tablet, you can dissolve it in a glass of water or apple juice to make it easier to swallow. Use 2 ounces of liquid for each 100-milligram tablet. Stir the mixture and drink it. Avoid using a broken table.

• Doses of Imatinib 400 mg or 600 mg can be taken once daily.
• The dose of 800 mg of Imatinib should be taken as 400 mg twice a day.

The treatment can be continued till there is no such result of progressive disease and unacceptable toxicity.

The dosage of Imatinib is 400 mg/day for adult patients with CML in the chronic phase and Imatinib 600 mg/day for adult patients in the accelerated phase. In the case of CML, the dose is increased from 400 mg to 600 mg.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Imatinib?

This medication is approved for use in both adults and children, including those with specific conditions such as pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In pediatric patients, dosing is determined based on body weight and must be carefully calculated and strictly supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Alcohol or Food Interactions

• Take with food to minimize stomach irritation
• Limit alcohol to reduce liver strain and avoid dehydration
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice (may alter drug metabolism)

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

May Interact With:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers (e.g., ketoconazole, rifampin, phenytoin)
• Acetaminophen (increased liver risk)
• Warfarin (altered blood thinning effect)
• Other chemotherapy drugs

Tell your doctor about all drugs, supplements, and herbal products you take.

How Should Imatinib Be Stored?

• Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.
• Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Before taking Imatinib, consult your Doctor. If you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Imatinib, rush immediately to your nearest hospital or consult your Doctor for better treatment. Always carry your medications in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies.
• Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor's advice whenever you take Imatinib.

What Happens If Not Stored Properly?

• May lose potency or stability
• Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, or direct light

Imatinib vs Dasatinib

References