What is Imatinib?

Cancer is a serious disease that can seriously hinder the regular functioning of a person’s body and diminish their quality of life. While cancer may have some server effects on a person suffering from it, with the right kind of medication and treatment, cancer symptoms may be alleviated, and cancer may even be cured at times. It is important, however, to have the appropriate treatment for the same, which may involve taking some medication. Imatinib is a kind of medication that may be used to relieve the cancer symptoms that a person may experience. This medication can stop cancer cells from growing when a person suffers from certain types of cancer. These cancers include types of Leukemia. Leukaemia is a cancer which affects the blood of a person. In this type of cancer, abnormal blood cells are rapidly grown. Imatinib medication comes in tablet form, which may be consumed orally by a patient given a prescription.

Imatinib side effects 

Imatinib Side Effects

During the purpose and goal of taking any medication I to feel its positive effects, one may also feel some side effects or detrimental effects while taking a medication. While this may not always be experienced, it may help to know about these side effects in case one does experience them. There are also some notable Imatinib side effects and reactions patients may have when taking it.

Notable Imatinib side effects are:

  • Some kinds of reactions, such as rashes on the skin, itching, hives, swollen face, lips, tongue
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Vision issues 
  • Urine that is dark in colour 
  • Feeling unwell 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Stools that are light in colour 
  • Appetite loss
  • Reduced blood counts – Imatinib may reduce the number of white and red blood cells and platelets in the person’s body, making one more susceptible to infections and bleeding.
  • Sores in mouth
  • Rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes
  • Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin, and loosening of the skin, which may occur inside the mouth as well
  •  Pain in the right upper belly
  • Signs of reduction in the number of platelets in a person’s body or bleeding, which may involve bruising, small red spots on the skin, stools that are dark in colour, blood in the person’s urine, beeling of the nose
  • Signs of the reduced number of red blood cells, which are feeling weak, fainting spells, feeling dizzy
  • Signs of infection like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain, difficulty passing urine
  • Swollen legs, ankles
  • Difficulty passing urine or amount of urine
  • Vomiting
  • Yellowing of a person’s eyes or skin

Side effects that may usually not require medical attention but should be reported to a doctor or a suitable medical authority if it persists or becomes more severe over time:

  • Appetite loss
  • Upset stomach
  • Sleep issues 
  • Frequent headaches
  • Heartburn
  • Pain in joints 
  • Pain or muscle cramps 
  • Feeling nauseous 
  • Diarrhea 

This list may exhaust all the side effects a person could experience. While the Imatinib side effects are important for one’s information, they may be differently experienced by different patients. These differences could be based on the patient’s age, weight, height, health condition, etc. To know more about Imatinib’s side effects, you may consult your doctor or a suitable medical professional who can guide and inform you about the same.

Imatinib side effects on eyes 

There may be some Imatinib side effects on the eyes. Imatinib side effects on eyes are important to know about as they will be easier to address if a person is able to recognise them early on. The most common Imatinib side effects on eyes are blurry vision and swelling. Some less common Imatinib side effects on eyes are broken blood vessels in your eye and dry eyes. You may consult your doctor or a suitable medical professional to know more about Imatinib’s side effects on the eyes.

Imatinib side effects on teeth 

A person could experience Imatinib side effects on teeth. Dental lesions, including fractured incisors, dentine degeneration and necrosis, are Imatinib side effects on teeth that one may experience. You may consult your doctor or a suitable medical authority if you have questions about Imatinib’s side effects on teeth.

long term side effects of Imatinib treatment 

There may be some notable long-term side effects of Imatinib treatment. These may affect a patient adversely over a long period. 

Some of the serious long-term side effects of Imatinib treatment are:

  • Severe blood disorders may result in low red blood cell and white blood cell levels or reduced platelets in the body of a person 
  • Heart problems which may comprise congestive heart failure
  • Cases of new cancer

Imatinib uses 

One may like to know more about Imatinib’s uses. Every medication has some uses, just like the different kinds of Imatinib uses. While medication may be given to a patient for some treatment, it may serve specific functions that may benefit them in a particular way. There are also some notable Imatinib uses that may benefit different kinds of patients depending on the kind of health impediment they are suffering from. Imatinib targets proteins in cancer cells that form a cancerous tumour. It hinders the growth of the cancer cells in the person’s body by doing so.

 Imatinib may be made for treating some types of Leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other cancers that may halt the regular function of a person’s body.

Imatinib may be made for treating tumours that affect the digestive tract. These tumours are called GISTs or gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), a kind of cancer that begins in the digestive system. It should also be noted that the Imatinib uses may differ for different patients, depending on the health condition they are suffering from and the nature of their treatment. To know more about Imatinib’s uses, you may consult your doctor or a suitable medical professional.

Imatinib price or Imatinib cost 

One may want to know the Imatinib price or cost for various reasons. The price of medication has become more important than ever because of the steeply rising prices of medical treatments and medication, especially since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Imatinib price or cost could be relevant for many patients, particularly those with cancer, because cancer treatment can often be very expensive, and the patients’ costs may accumulate into huge amounts. Imatinib price or Imatinib cost is significant for a lot of people.

Imatinib price or Imatinib cost is:

  • Cipla Imatinib 100 Mg Tablet (Imatib), 1×10 Tablets at Rs 440/stripe

The Imatinib price or Imatinib cost could vary slightly depending on when a person buys the medication, the region, or the pharmacy they may obtain it. Imatinib price or Imatinib cost may also vary depending on the dosage or quantity of the medication. You can find out details relating to this in person or online. Despite this, the Imatinib price or Imatinib cost will remain around the price range given above. If you have any questions about Imatinib’s price or cost, you may consult your doctor, pharmacist or a suitable medical professional. These persons will be able to clear any clarifications you may need relating to Imatinib price or Imatinib cost. 

What should I tell my doctor or medical authority that is overlooking my treatment before I take this medication?

It is important to discuss any relevant conditions with your doctor or medical team before making any Imatinib uses. Suppose you feel like some condition you currently have, or something you are experiencing may be important to your treatment and relevant to the kind of medication that you are taking. In that case, you must inform your doctor or medical team about the same.

Your doctor or medical authority overlooking your treatment shall be informed if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Issues related to bleeding
  • Have suffered from some infection, especially viral infections like chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
  • Have suffered from heart disease
  • Have suffered from heart failure
  • Have suffered from or have kidney disease
  • Have suffered from or have liver disease
  • Suffer or suffer from lung disease or any lung-related issue 
  • Stomach issues 
  • Some reactions to Imatinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives
  • If you are currently expecting or trying to get pregnant
  • If you are currently nursing a child (breastfeeding)

What medications could interact with Imatinib?

You must be careful when taking any medication. If you are taking some other medication, it is important to discuss this with your doctor or medical professional who has prescribed you a medication that will be used for your treatment. In this case, the medication may be Imatinib. This is because these medications could have some adverse reactions when taken with Imatinib. You may keep a list of all medications you have consumed in the recent past or are currently taking and inform your doctor about it and any changes that occur to it.

The following medications could interact with Imatinib:

•Antiviral medication that may be given for HIV or AIDS

•Bosentan

•Cisapride

•Clarithromycin

•Cyclosporine

•Dexamethasone

•Diltiazem

•Ergot alkaloids which may include dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

•Erythromycin

•Medications that may be taken for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin

•Medication is given for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•Medicines to treat fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

•Medication for irregular heart beat such as amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine

•Seizure medication like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• Medications that may be taken for sleep

•NSAIDS, medicines for pain, inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen

•Pimozide

•Rifabutin

•Rifampin

•Sildenafil

•Sirolimus

•St. John’s wort

•Tacrolimus

•Vaccines

•Verapamil

•Warfarin

You may approach and consult your doctor or a suitable medical authority before taking any of these medicines:

•Acetaminophen

•Aspirin

•Ibuprofen

•Ketoprofen

•Naproxen

This list may cover only some possible interactions when Imatinib uses being availed. If you want to understand about what else could interact with Imatinib, you may ask your doctor or a suitable medical professional to give you advice about the same. 

How to Take Imatinib?

Imatinib must be taken orally and swallowed using water. A person may be recommended to take it with food to reduce the chances of it causing an upset stomach. It would be best if you took it in the way that is described on the prescription label. You must take the medication regularly, as advised by your doctor, and not more or less often than you have been directed. You must not self-prescribe any doses and only stop taking the medication on the advice and direction of your doctor or a suitable medical professional. If you experience difficulty swallowing the tablets, you may inform your doctor, pharmacist or a suitable medical professional about this. 

Imatinib used in children

Any medication must be given to children with caution. You may consult a paediatrician about giving Imatinib to children. While Imatinib is sometimes prescribed for children who are even as young as one year for selected conditions, it may still be a good idea to take precautions to keep the best interests of the child in one’s mind. 

How much dosage of the medication should I take?

You must take the dosage of Imatinib as advised to you by your doctor. It would be best if you did not take more than or less than the amount and dosage prescribed to you by your doctor or a medical professional that has the authority to do so and is informed about your health condition.

What must I do in case I overdose on Imatinib?

In case of overdosage or overdose of Imatinib, you should contact emergency services or a poison control centre that can assist you with the same quickly, especially if you experience sudden and severe reactions to the excessive dosage that has been consumed. 

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Imatinib, you must try and take it as soon as possible. You must only do so if not too much time has passed since you were supposed to take it. If a great deal of time has already passed from when you were supposed to take the medication, and it is closer to your next dose, you may consume the next dose as usual and skip the dose you missed. You must only take extra or double doses to make up for any missed dose of Imatinib if you are advised to do the same by your doctor or a suitable medical professional. 

Feeling disoriented when taking Imatinib

A person may get sleepy or dizzy when taking Imatinib. You must avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that may require you to be alert. You must stay as cautious as you can, at least until you know the effect that Imatinib has on you. 

Increased tendency to bruise or bleed

Imatinib could raise your tendency to bruise or bleed. You must inform your doctor or a suitable medical professional if you observe any unusual bleeding. You must also be as careful as possible when doing any activity where you could hurt yourself or bleed.  

Rashes on skin 

Imatinib could cause serious skin reactions, which may even start weeks and months after you start taking it. It would be best to inform your doctor or a suitable medical professional as soon as possible in case you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. This rash might be red or purple in colour. It may then turn into blisters or peeling of your skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling on your face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or the underarm region.

Cold or flu from having the medication 

It would be best to inform your doctor or medical professional if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other cold or flu symptoms. It would be best if you did not try to treat yourself. Imatinib makes you more susceptible to infections and less able to fight it. You must avoid being around sick people or big gatherings where there may be a lot of infection in the air.

Can I get pregnant while taking the medicine?

A person must avoid becoming pregnant while consuming Imatinib or for 14 days after they stop taking it. Women must consult their doctor or a suitable medical professional if they may like to get pregnant or think they might be pregnant while taking Imatinib or have any other queries relating to the same. Consuming Imatinib could lead to birth defects, developmental delays, and cognitive issues, among others, for the unborn child in its mother’s womb. One may not want to risk causing such issues for a child by taking this medication. 

Can I nurse or breastfeed a child while taking Imatinib?

A person nursing or breastfeeding a child should be careful that whatever they consume could pass through the breastmilk to the child drinking it. Imatinib may also pass into the breastmilk and reach a child. This medication may be too strong for a child and could also lead to adverse reactions. It would be best to avoid breastfeeding or nursing a child while taking Imatinib or for one month after stopping it.

Where should I keep my medication?

You must store Imatinib pills where they are out of the reach of children. Store them at room temperature. This may range from 15 to 30 degrees Celcius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep the medication dry, away from any moisture. It would be good to use a container that you can close tightly. You must also throw away any medicine after it has passed its date of expiry. 

Monitoring

A patient may be monitored when they are consuming Imatinib. This may help ensure that the treatment is going as expected and the patient is not experiencing any reactions to the medication that have not been detected yet. You must also try and inform your doctor s soon as any new Imatinib side effects or any reaction to the medication are experienced so they do not get worse, and you don’t have to wait till your doctor checks you for them to address them finally.

Brand Name Of Imatinib?

The brand name of this medication is Gleevec. It may be useful to know this brand name as it could be used during patient treatment or by a pharmacist or someone that the patient may interact with during their treatment. Knowing that an alternate name for the medication may be used sometimes, the patient may stay ready and be informed beforehand. 

What is Leukemia?

Imatinib is a kind of medication that may be used to hinder the growth of cancer cells. This may be used for some types of cancer, such as Leukemia. Leukaemia is a type of cancer. This disease affects the blood of a person. There is a fast-paced growth of abnormal blood cells with Leukemia. Treatment for Leukaemia may vary to a great extent depending on the person that is being treated. There may be relatively slow-growing Leukemia and fast-growing Leukaemia. Treatment persons could comprise monitoring for Leukaemia, which is growing slowly. Treatment for Leukaemias that are more aggressive and growing faster could comprise chemotherapy that may sometimes be followed by radiation and a stem-cell transplant. Some patients may also be given Imatinib if the doctor or medical professional that the patient is visiting considers it suitable for the patient and the severity of their health condition. 

Conclusion

It is important to try and take the right precautions and be as informed as possible about the kind of medication you are consuming, even if a doctor or an experienced medical professional is overlooking your treatment. This may benefit you, your doctor or any other medical professional that may be overlooking the treatment you are undergoing. Being an informed patient will decrease the confusion or clarifications you may need during the treatment yourself. Still, you may also make it easier for the doctor or medical professional or crowdfunding organizations like Impact Guru to provide you with the necessary medical services and treatment. Imatinib is an important and useful medication. It can greatly improve a patient’s health condition if used correctly, affording them the necessary treatment and sometimes even curing them of the health issue they are facing.