Imatinib Tablets 400mg

Imatinib 400mg tablets are a type of targeted therapy used to treat various cancers and blood disorders. This medication works by inhibiting specific proteins called tyrosine kinases that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. The 400mg dosage is a common starting point for several of its approved uses.

 

 

Approved Uses

 

Imatinib is a highly effective treatment for several conditions, including:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): It is a first-line treatment for adults and children with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) CML, a type of blood cancer. It is also used in later stages of the disease.

   
   

   

• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST): A rare type of tumor that affects the walls of the digestive tract. Imatinib is used to treat unresectable or metastatic GIST and as an adjuvant therapy after surgical removal to prevent recurrence.

   
   
   

   

• Philadelphia chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL): A type of leukemia that is aggressive but responds well to imatinib in combination with other treatments.

   

   

• Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases (MDS/MPD): Certain types of these blood disorders that have specific gene rearrangements.

   

   

• Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM): A rare disorder caused by an overgrowth of mast cells in the body.

• Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL): Conditions characterized by an overproduction of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

   

   

• Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP): A rare skin cancer that can be difficult to treat with surgery alone.

   

   

 

How to Take It

 

• Imatinib tablets should be taken orally with a meal and a large glass of water to minimize the risk of stomach irritation.

   

   

• The 400mg dosage is typically taken once a day. For higher doses (e.g., 800mg), it is usually administered as two 400mg tablets taken twice daily.

   
   

   

• The tablets can be dissolved in water or apple juice for patients who have difficulty swallowing them whole.

   

   

• You should take the medication at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in your body.

   

   

 

Common Side Effects

 

While effective, imatinib can cause a range of side effects. Common ones include:

 

• Fluid retention and swelling (edema), especially around the eyes, ankles, or feet.

   

   

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

   

   

• Muscle cramps and musculoskeletal pain.

   

   

• Fatigue and headache.

   

   

• Skin rash.

   

   

• Low blood cell counts, which can lead to a higher risk of infection (low white blood cells), bleeding or bruising (low platelets), and fatigue (anemia).

   

   

 

Important Safety Information

 

 

• Your doctor will monitor you closely while on this medication with regular blood tests to check for changes in blood cell counts and liver function.

   

   

• Imatinib can cause liver and kidney problems, as well as heart-related issues, including congestive heart failure.

   

   

• If you experience unexpected rapid weight gain, swelling, or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of fluid retention or heart problems.

   

   

• It is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause harm to a fetus. Both men and women of reproductive age should use effective contraception while taking this medication.

   
   

   

• Do not stop taking imatinib or change your dose without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Stopping the medication can cause the disease to progress.