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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
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
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
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 06:01 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions for Imatinib mesylate
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.
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.
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.
While taking Imatinib mesylate, 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 mesylate. 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 mesylate.
Yes, there are a number of medicines which interfere with Imatinib mesylate, including paracetamol. Therefore, you should not self medicate while taking Imatinib mesylate. Other medicines which interfere with Imatinib mesylate include cyclosporin, dexamethasone (a steroid), warfarin, antiviral medicines which treat AIDS. Some medicines which treat bacterial infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, and mental disorders and depression can also affect the working of Imatinib mesylate. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine, and inform him that you are on Imatinib mesylate therapy.
Imatinib mesylate has proved effective in many cases of CML. It is also noticed that the chances of survival increase after taking this medicine. Consult your doctor to know how effective this medicine is for you. Your doctor will inform you after analyzing your current state, blood test results, response to treatment, any other medical illness which you may be having.