Imatinib mesylate
Information about Imatinib mesylate
Imatinib mesylate uses
Imatinib mesylate is used in the treatment of blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), blood cancer (acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
How imatinib mesylate works
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.
Common side effects of imatinib mesylate
Edema (swelling), Fatigue, Rash, Fever, Hair loss, High blood pressure, 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, Heart failure, Xeroderma, Low albumin level in blood, Increased lipase in the blood, Flatulence, Bone marrow suppression, Intracranial bleeding, Oropharyngeal pain, Heart attack, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Colitis, Aplastic anemia, Liver failure, Seizure, Glaucoma, Pulmonary fibrosis
Available Medicine for Imatinib mesylate
Expert advice for Imatinib mesylate
- Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.
- It may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Water retention and swelling are very common side effects of Imatinib mesylate. Notify your doctor if you have unexpected rapid weight gain.
- Do not change the dose or discontinue use without consulting your doctor.
- Notify your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over the counter medicines and dietary supplements.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the number of blood cells in your blood.
Frequently asked questions for Imatinib mesylate
Imatinib mesylate
Q. Can Imatinib mesylate be taken with food?
Yes, the best way to take it is with food and a glass of water. 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 mesylate?
Imatinib mesylate 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. Ever since I started using Imatinib mesylate, 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.