Imatinib is a member of the class of TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) that mainly inhibits the activity of bcr-abl fusion protein, resulting in both the hematologic response as well as cytogenetic response.
Indications: The imatinib mesylate (400, 600, 800 mg), an oral tablet is mainly used for:
Chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia
Accelerated phase as well as blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia.
It is also can be used for certain other types of cancer including chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), systemic mastocytosis, and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Use in Pregnancy: avoid imatinib mesylate tablets unless potential benefit outweighs risk; effective contraception required during treatment.
Breast-feeding: While on imatinib 400 mg tablet, discontinue breast-feeding.
Dosage: Adult patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia, should take imatinib 400 mg once daily, increased if necessary to max. 800 mg daily (in a couple of divided doses).
Child patients with chronic and advanced phase (2–18 years) should take 340 mg/m2 (maximum 800 mg) in a day (in 1 to 2 divided doses), increased to 570 mg/m2 (max. 800 mg) daily if necessary.
Adult patients with accelerated phase and blast crisis chronic myeloid leukaemia, should take 600 mg once daily, increased if necessary to maximum 800 mg in day (in two divided doses).
Monitoring: At approx 90 days, examine leukocyte as well as platelet counts for complete hematologic response.
At 6 months for partial cytogenetic response and 12 months for complete cytogenetic response and 18 months for a major molecular response.
Adverse effects: Edema, neutropenia, nausea, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, rash, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, arthralgia, abdominal pain, myalgia, nasopharyngitis, hemorrhage, vomiting, dyspepsia, cough, dizziness, URT infection, fever, weight gain, hepatotoxicity and insomnia.
Warning & Precautions:
A double dose must not be consumed in order to make up for any forgotten dose.
Patients should be advised to take veenat 400 mg with a meal and a large glass of water.
Patients shouldn't take grapefruit juice and other foods known to inhibit CYP3A4 while taking Imatinib 400 mg.
Long periods of treatment may result in a progressive loss of renal function over time; renal function should be monitored before treatment and periodically thereafter.
Interactions: Some other drugs such as ketoconazole, simvastatin, rifampin, and warfarin may interact with Imatinib 400 mg. Your doctor must be aware if you are taking these or any other drugs as you may need extra blood tests or your dose may need to be changed. Check with your healthcare team prior to starting any new drugs.
Overdose: In case of drug overdose, call your doctor in order to seek immediate medical assistance.
Missed Dose: If you are consuming imatinib once daily and forget a dose, consume it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of the forgotten dose.
If you are consuming imatinib twice daily, consume it as soon as possible if it is within 6 hours of the forgotten dose. Otherwise, skip the forgotten dose and go back to your usual dosing schedules. Let your healthcare provider know about the forgotten dose.
In India, this drug is available at a very reasonable price. Any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company would be best in order to buy veenat 400 mg. The Imatinib price for single strip containing 10 tablets, strength of 400 mg is around 1057 INR.
How to store imatinib: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from moisture. Dispense in a tight container.
FAQ's
What is Imatinib mesylate?
Imatinib mesylate is a prescription drug used in order to treat certain types of cancer including Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). This medication acts in order to prevent and stop the growth of cancerous cells. Gleevec is the brand name of Imatinib mesylate.
Who is the manufacturer of Gleevec?
This drug was manufactured by the company named Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the year of 2001.
What is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
This is a kind of disease in which our body produces excess abnormal WBC (White Blood Cells). Because of this, an individual may become sick more often, and may feel weak as well as tired. Imatinib mesylate helps the body block producing these abnormal WBC (White Blood Cells).
What is a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)?
This is basically a group of cancerous cells that start growing in the stomach wall, intestines, or rectum. Imatinib mesylate also helps the body resist producing these abnormal cells.
Can Imatinib mesylate be taken with food?
Yes, the appropriate way to take Imatinib mesylate is through food and a glass of water. It will be helpful in order to prevent irritation in the food pipe as well as stomach. In case you have difficulty gulping it, put the pills in a glass of water or apple juice.
Who should not use Imatinib mesylate?
It is recommended that the women should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Imatinib. Also, imatinib mesylate may be temporarily responsible for lowering the counts of WBC in the blood, increasing the probability of getting an infection. It may also be responsible for lowering the platelets count, which are crucial for the proper blood clotting. Discuss with your doctor about steps you can consider in order to reduce the risk of infection/bleeding.
Is it safe to drive during treatment with the Imatinib mesylate?
This medication may be responsible for causing lightheadedness, drowsiness, dizziness, in a few individuala. Make sure you are aware of how you react to it prior to driving a car or operating machinery.
NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "All you need to know about Imatinib" in this article is just for the informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced/qualified healthcare practitioner.