Indications
- Used to treat specific cancer types including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases.
- Mechanism of action: Slows or halts the growth of cancer cells.
- Additional uses: May also be employed in the treatment of certain immune system disorders like aggressive systemic mastocytosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome.
Dosage and administration
- Take the medication orally with a meal and a full glass of water, once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor. Do not crush the tablets.
- If difficulty swallowing, you may dissolve the tablets in water or apple juice, following specific instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. Stir the mixture until the tablet(s) dissolve and drink immediately.
- Dosage is determined by medical condition, treatment response, and concurrent medications. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all products used.
- For children, the dosage is based on their body size.
- Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless deemed safe by your doctor or pharmacist, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not exceed prescribed dosage or use the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than instructed. Faster improvement is not guaranteed, and the risk of side effects may increase.
- Due to potential harm to an unborn baby, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle the medication or inhale dust from the tablets, as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs.
Side effects
- Common side effects of the medication may include upset stomach, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle/joint pain, muscle cramps, dizziness, blurred vision, or drowsiness. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- While using this medication, serious side effects may occur, but it is prescribed based on the belief that the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor’s careful monitoring can reduce your risk.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, sudden/unexplained weight gain, swelling hands/ankles/feet/abdomen, swelling around the eyes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, black/bloody stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, or symptoms of liver disease.
- This medication may weaken your ability to fight infections, making you more susceptible to serious infections or worsening existing ones. Notify your doctor promptly if you observe signs of infection like a persistent sore throat, fever, or chills.
- Imatinib may cause side effects related to the rapid destruction of cancer cells, known as tumor lysis syndrome. To reduce this risk, stay well-hydrated unless advised otherwise by your doctor and follow any additional prescriptions. Report symptoms like low back/side pain, signs of kidney problems, or muscle spasms/weakness to your doctor immediately.
- Imatinib may cause a non-serious rash, but it can be challenging to distinguish from a rare rash that signals a severe reaction. Seek medical assistance promptly if any rash develops.
- While very rare, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you observe any effects not mentioned above.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to imatinib or other substances, as inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions. Discuss this with your pharmacist for more details.
- Provide your medical history, especially if you have bleeding problems, heart issues (such as heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease, or have had your thyroid gland removed.
- Imatinib may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you can do them safely. Limit alcohol consumption and discuss marijuana (cannabis) use with your doctor.
- Imatinib increases susceptibility to infections and may worsen existing ones. Avoid contact with individuals with easily spread infections. Inform your doctor if you are exposed to an infection.
- Before immunizations/vaccinations, inform your healthcare professional about imatinib usage. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines.
- Exercise caution with sharp objects and activities like contact sports to lower the risk of cuts, bruises, or injuries.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal products.
- Imatinib may slow down a child’s growth, monitor height and weight regularly. The impact on final adult height is unknown.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the drug’s side effects, particularly swelling (edema).
- Due to potential harm to an unborn baby, pregnant or potentially pregnant women should avoid handling the medication or inhaling tablet dust. A pregnancy test should be conducted 1 week before starting the medication. Reliable birth control is recommended during usage and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if you become pregnant.
- Imatinib passes into breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended during usage and for 1 month after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.