Imatinib mesylate
Information about Imatinib mesylate
Imatinib mesylate Uses
Imatinib mesylate is used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, blood cancer (acute lymphocytic leukemia), small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), gastrointestinal stromal tumour, cancer of colon and rectum, non-small cell lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and breast cancer.
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, 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
Available Medicine for Imatinib mesylate
VeenatNatco Pharma Ltd
₹708 to ₹84964 variant(s)
ImatZydus Healthcare Limited
₹556 to ₹22743 variant(s)
ImatibCipla Ltd
₹557 to ₹19392 variant(s)
ImanibIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹781 to ₹22353 variant(s)
IbatkinZuventus Healthcare Ltd
₹32611 variant(s)
ImalekSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹1341 to ₹19502 variant(s)
ChemotinibNeon Laboratories Ltd
₹279 to ₹11282 variant(s)
ImateroHetero Drugs Ltd
₹19931 variant(s)
LupinibLupin Ltd
₹22351 variant(s)
GlivecNovartis India Ltd
₹781 to ₹22352 variant(s)
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.
- Imatinib mesylate is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.