Brand Name: Imatib
Generic Name: Imatinib mesylate
Manufacturer: Cipla
Dosage Form: Tablets
Strength: 100mg and 400mg
Composition: Imatinib mesylate
Indication: Blood cancer
Packaging: 10 tablets in a strip
Storage: Store at room temperature
OVERVIEW
Imatib (Imatinib mesylate) tablet is used in the treatment of blood cancer. This medicine belongs
to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The Imatib tablet works by stopping the
growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancerous cells. It is important to
take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose of Imatib tablet is
decided by a doctor according to your previous medical condition and response to the
treatment. Regular monitoring of blood cell count and liver function is required while having
treatment with this medicine. Do not stop the use of Imatib tablets without consulting with your
doctor. If you experience any signs and symptoms while receiving this medicine, inform your
doctor immediately.
Pharmacodynamics
Imatinib Mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine
kinase, the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by the Philadelphia chromosome
abnormality in CML. It inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in BCR-ABL positive cell lines
as well as fresh leukemic cells from Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid
leukemia.
Interactions
Imatib tablets can interact with other medications and it may increase the risk for side effects.
Don’t forget to disclose and discuss your previous medical history with the doctor.
Medicine Interactions
● Baricitinib
● Carbamazepine
● Warfarin
● Pimozide
● Etanercept
● Leflunomide
Disease Interactions
● Bone marrow suppression
● Fluid retention
● Liver impairment
● Cardiovascular disease
● Kidney impairment
Alcohol Interaction
● Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming
alcohol.
Contraindications
● Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Imatinib mesylate.
● Imatib (Imatinib mesylate) medicine is not recommended in patients known to be
hypersensitive.
Side Effects
This medicine may cause some common and serious side effects. Discuss the risks and
benefits of the Imatib tablets with the doctor before starting the treatment.
Common Side Effects
● Nausea
● Diarrhea
● Abdominal pain
● Joint pain
● Headache
● Weight gain
● Insomnia
● Vomiting
● Muscle pain
● Heartburn
● Indigestion
● Rash
● Bleeding
● Mouth ulcers
● Constipation
● Blurred vision
● Indigestion
● Dizziness
● Weight loss
● Change in taste
● Joint pain
Serious side effects
● Difficulty in breathing
● Irregular heartbeat
● Swelling around the eyes
● Pale skin
● Unusual bleeding
● Bloody stool
● Swelling of the hands and feet
● Bloating
● Presence of blood in cough
● Fatigue
Note – Immediately contact your doctor or medical practitioner if any side effects occur
Dosage
Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or skip your regular dosing
schedule.
Missed Dose
● It is advisable not to miss a dose. If you miss a scheduled dose of Imatib tablets, contact
your doctor immediately.
Overdose
● In case of an overdose of Imatib tablets, the doctor will provide emergency medical
treatment.
Usage
This medication is used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and Acute lymphocytic
leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Imatib tablets help to stop the growth of cancer
cells in the body. Take this medicine orally once a day with food. Do not take this medicine in
the wrong way as it may lead to some severe side effects. Avoid the consumption of alcohol. It
may increase the risk of dizziness. Keep yourself hydrated and maintain good nutrition while
having treatment with this medicine. Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice.
Warnings
Before starting treatment with Imatib medicine, please inform your doctor about your previous
medical history. If you experience any signs and symptoms while receiving this medication, do
not ignore those symptoms because it may lead to higher risk.
● Contraception
○ Use suitable methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this
medicine.
● Children and adolescents
○ Imatib tablets are advisable for use in children and adolescents with CML.
Warnings For Female
● Pregnancy
○ Do not use Imatib medicine if you are planning to become pregnant. Avoid this
medication at the time of pregnancy.
● Breastfeeding
○ This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is required. Please
consult with your doctor before starting treatment with this medication.
Precautions
● Close monitoring of thyroid hormones is required in patients suffering from
hypothyroidism.
● Imatib tablets may interact with other medications and cause some severe side effects.
● This medicine should be used with caution in patients who are suffering from heart
disease.
● In children, close monitoring of growth parameters is required during treatment with this
medicine.
● Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects like – nausea, abdominal pain,
difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue.
● This medicine may increase the risk of getting infections.
Cautions
● Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
● Do not crush or break the tablet.
● Not safe for pregnant women.
● Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication.
Substitutes
● Imat
● Mitinib
● Imanib
● Levin
