Imatib 400 Tablet (Imatinib 400mg)

INTRODUCTION

IMATIB contains Imatinib mesylate which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids which reduces infl­ammation. It is indicated to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults and children.

Leukaemia is a cancer of white blood cells, the cells usually help the body to fight infection. IMATIB also used to treat myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases, hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukaemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in adults. Tyrosine kinases are proteins which act as chemical messengers that are used by the cancer cells to signal to each other for their growth. This medicine works by blocking this enzyme and stops the cancer cells from growing.

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow whole with a large glass of water. It can be taken with food. The common side effects are fluid retention, weight gain. Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or heart problems. It is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

USES OF IMATIB

Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases
Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukaemia
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

HOW IMATIB WORKS

IMATIB is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are proteins which act as chemical messengers that are used by the cancer cells to signal to each other for their growth. Imatinib mesylate by blocking this enzyme stops the cancer cells from growing.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow whole with a large glass of water. It can be taken with food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IMATIB

COMMON
Rapid weight gain (severe fluid retention)
Fever, severe chills
Sore throat
Mouth ulcers
Unexpected bleeding or bruising
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
IMATIB is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
IMATIB is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.

KIDNEY
IMATIB should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
IMATIB should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Imatinib.

HEART DISEASE
IMATIB should be used with caution in patients suffering from active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Inform your doctor if you have,

Hepatitis B infection

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,

Levothyroxine
Paracetamol
Herbal medicines (St. John’s Wort)
Medicines used to prevent the formation of blood clots