What is Imatinib?
It is used to treat certain types of leukaemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer. It also prevents certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system.
Imatinib Uses
Imatinib medications are used for treating various cancers such as lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic diseases. Imatinib works by stopping the growth of cancer cells. Imatinib medication is used for the treatment of immune system disorders such as aggressive systemic mastocytosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome
Imatinib Side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Joint swelling or pain
- Sweating
- Rashes
- Itching
- Some of the serious 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 serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Imatinib if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Imatinib side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Imatinib talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which may cause allergic reactions or other serious problems.
Before using the medications talk to your doctor if you are having 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 can worsen the situation. Avoid getting into contact with people who have infections which can spread to others like chickenpox, meals and flu. Talk to your doctor if you’re exposed to any of the viral infections.
How to take Imatinib?
Follow the directions written on the prescription label and read all the medication guides or instruction sheet. Take Imatinib with meal and large glass of wate
If you are not able to swallow the tablet you can dissolve it in a glass of water or in apple juice for making the pill easy 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.
-Dose of Imatinib 800 mg 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 case of CML, the dose is increased from 400 mg to 600 mg.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Imatinib won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, 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 would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
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.
Warnings for some Health Conditions
Pregnancy
Imatinib can harm the unborn baby or can lead to some birth defects.
Breastfeeding
Avoid feeding your baby at least for 1 month if you’re taking Imatinib.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of 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 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Imatinib consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Imatinib rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Imatinib.
Imatinib vs Dasatinib:
| Imatinib | Dasatinib |
|---|---|
| It is used to treat certain types of leukaemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer. It also prevents certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system. | Dasatinib is used for treating chronic myeloid leukaemia. It is also used for treating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. |
| Imatinib works by stopping the growth of cancer cells. Imatinib medication is used for the treatment of immune system disorders such as aggressive systemic mastocytosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome. | Dasatinib is a class of medications which is called as Kinase Inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein which signals cancers cells to multiply |
Some of the serious side effects of Imatinib are:
|
Some serious side effects of Dasatinib are:
|
