Imatinib 400 Tablet belongs to the class of medicines known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia and Acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

Imatinib 400 Tablet should be taken with food, but better to have it same time every day to get the most benefit. You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Let your doctor know if you experience unexpected rapid weight gain. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood cells and liver function while you are taking this medicine. Do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus if you experience dizziness and blurry vision.

Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Uses of Imatinib Tablet

Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour

Benefits of Imatinib Tablet

In Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)

Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body's ability to fight infection. Imatinib 400 Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)

In Gastrointestinal stromal tumour

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. The tumors develop into the specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Imatinib 400 Tablet helps to kill the cancer cells and also stops their further growth and spread. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.

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Side effects of Imatinib Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Imatinib

Edema (swelling)
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle cramp
Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
Diarrhea
Rash
Fatigue
Abdominal pain

How to use Imatinib Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Imatinib 400 Tablet is to be taken with food.

How Imatinib Tablet works

Imatinib 400 Tablet 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.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Imatinib 400 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Imatinib 400 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Imatinib 400 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Lactating women should not breastfeed while using this drug and one month after stopping it.

Driving

UNSAFE

Imatinib 400 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Kidney

CAUTION

Imatinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Imatinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CAUTION

Imatinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Imatinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Imatinib Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Imatinib 400 Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Imatinib 400 Tablet

₹250.0/Tablet

Imat 400 Tablet

Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries

₹85.2/tablet

66% cheaper

Imatib 400 Tablet

Cipla Ltd

₹93.5/tablet

63% cheaper

Chemotinib 400mg Tablet

Neon Laboratories Ltd

₹100/tablet

60% cheaper

Mitinab 400mg Tablet

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹157.67/tablet

37% cheaper

Imalek 400mg Tablet

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹195.1/tablet

22% cheaper

View all substitutes

Quick tips

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 400 Tablet. 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.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Benzanilides Derivative

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

ANTI NEOPLASTICS

Action Class

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Interaction with drugs

Taking Imatinib with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects

Atorvastatin

Brand(s): Etovas, Alvastatin, Atalo

Serious

Carbamazepine

Brand(s): Antep, C Lep, Ametol

Serious

Fluvastatin

Brand(s): Fluvalip, Lescol

Serious

Lovastatin

Brand(s): Elstin

Serious

View all interactions

Patient concerns

She is suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia

Dr. Deepak Kumar Soni

Ayurveda

Hi Kindly consult to Ayurvedic doctor at your local city area , face to face consult is needed.

Can blood cancer patients 1st stage do sex with normal girl Sir a blood cancer patients do sex with normal girl can any problem or cause doing with girl or side effect give suggestions Thanks

Dr. Vijay Sharnangat

Medical Oncology and Hematology

Wait till blood cancer gets cured.

User feedback

Patients taking Imatinib 400 Tablet

Once A Day

92%

Twice A Day

Alternate Day

What are you using Imatinib Tablet for?

Blood cancer *

69%

Gastrointesti*

17%

Others

Stomach cance*

Blood cancer *

*Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia), Gastrointestinal stromal tumour, Stomach cancer, Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)

How much was the improvement?

Excellent

51%

Average

25%

Poor

24%

What were the side-effects while using Imatinib 400 Tablet?

Nausea

25%

Rash

25%

No Side Effec*

21%

Vomiting

11%

Edema (swelli*

11%

*No Side Effect, Edema (swelling)

How do you take Imatinib Tablet?

With food

91%

With or witho*

*With or without food

Please rate Imatinib 400 Tablet on price

Expensive

48%

Average

37%

Not Expensive

15%

FAQs

Q. Can Imatinib 400 Tablet be taken with food?

Yes, the best way to take it is with a glass of water and food. 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 400 Tablet?

Imatinib 400 Tablet 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. What precautions need to be followed while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet?

While taking Imatinib 400 Tablet, make sure you follow all the instructions given by your doctor, carefully and keep all appointments. You will need regular follow-up to ensure that the treatment is working. Regular blood tests, weight checks, and urine tests may be required to find out any side effects before it becomes serious. Make sure you use a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Imatinib 400 Tablet. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you are about to start taking any new medicine, remind your doctor that you are taking Imatinib 400 Tablet.

Q. Ever since I started using Imatinib 400 Tablet, 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.

Q. The doctor has advised me not to take any medicine on my own while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet. Should I consult my doctor even if I need to take paracetamol for my fever?

Yes, there are a number of medicines which interfere with Imatinib 400 Tablet, including paracetamol. Therefore you should not self medicate while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet. Other medicines which interfere with Imatinib 400 Tablet include cyclosporin, dexamethasone (a steroid), warfarin, antiviral medicines which treat AIDS and some medicines which treat bacterial infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, and mental disorders and depression. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine, and inform him that you are on Imatinib 400 Tablet therapy.

Q. What precautions need to be followed while taking Imatinib 400 Tablet?

Q. Can I expect that if I take Imatinib 400 Tablet regularly and as advised by the doctor for CML, I will be cured?

Imatinib 400 Tablet has proved effective in many cases of CML. It is also noticed that the chances of survival increase after taking this medicine. The doctor who is treating CML can tell you better. The doctor will analyze your current state, blood test results, response to treatment, any other medical illness which you may be having, etc. and tell you.

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Related lab tests

Bcr-Abl Gene Translocation (Qualitative)

Bcr-Abl Gene Translocation (Quantitative)

Complete Blood Count

Peripheral Smear Examination

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Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1732-34.
Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 953.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 692-94.
Imatinib mesylate. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2001 [revised Jan 2012]. [Accessed 23 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Imatinib. [Updated 2018 Oct 31]. [Accessed 18 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

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