Imatirel 400 Tablet (Imatinib mesylate 400mg)

Description

Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is an anticancer medicine. It is used to treat and prevent the growth of certain types of cancers of your blood cells, stomach, intestine, bone marrow, and skin. This medicine works by stopping the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from spreading to other parts of your body.

Imatirel 400 mg Tablet shows side effects like skin rash, weight gain, diarrhoea, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, and hair loss. Your hair grows back after the treatment and other side effects may subside on their own. If the side effects bother you or persist for a longer duration, consult your doctor. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness (such as driving or operating heavy machinery) after taking this medicine, as it may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Imatirel 400 mg Tablet may be taken with a meal to avoid stomach irritation. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. The dosage and duration of this medicine are decided by your doctor based on the severity of your condition. Take this medicine at the same time every day to avoid any missed dose. In case of overdose consult your doctor immediately.

Imatirel 400 mg Tablet should not be used if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, and heart diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Imatirel 400 mg Tablet
Cadinib 400 mg Tablet
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Glivac 400 mg Tablet
Novartis India Ltd.
Imanib 400 mg Tablet
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Imat 400 mg Tablet
Zydus Cadila
Imatinib 400 mg Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Imatirel 400 mg Tablet
Diarrhea
Nausea and Vomiting
Mouth sores
Loss of appetite
Altered sense of taste
Heartburn and indigestion
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
Burning or tingling sensation of hands and feet
Trouble sleeping
Skin Rash
Hair loss
Swelling or the hands, feet, ankle, and lower legs
Shortness of breath
Fast/irregular heart beat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Stomach pain
Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Low blood count

Uses of Imatirel 400 mg Tablet

What is it prescribed for?
Blood cancer
Blood cancer occurs when abnormal blood cells start growing uncontrollably. This cancer starts in the bone marrow, a tissue in the bone where blood cells are produced. Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is used in the treatment of various types of blood cancers.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a skin cancer that begins in the middle layer of your skin. The cells grows and forms a lump on the surface of your skin. Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is used to treat this skin cancer.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumour, cancer that starts in the walls of your stomach and intestine.

When not to use?

Allergy
Avoid Imatirel 400 mg Tablet if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if there is a history of allergic reaction to this medication. If you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of your face, tongue, throat, etc seek medical attention immediately.

Warnings
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet is not recommended if you are breastfeeding as limited data is available. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Gastrointestinal disorders
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet may cause bleeding in your stomach. It should be used with caution if you are having a pre-existing disorder of your stomach or intestine due to the increased risk of worsening your health condition.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a low level of thyroid hormones in your body. You should use Imatirel 400 mg Tablet with caution, especially if you have undergone thyroidectomy (removal of all or part of the thyroid gland) as it induces thyroid dysfunction and may worsen your condition. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is recommended if you have thyroid problems.
Other medicines
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet may interact with other medicines and cause severe side effects. Hence, report the use of any medicines including herbs and supplements to your doctor before beginning treatment with Imatirel 400 mg Tablet.
Live attenuated vaccine
Report the administration of a vaccine (smallpox, BCG, mumps, measles, rubella, etc.) to your doctor before treatment with this medicine is initiated. Since this medicine may alter the effects of the vaccines, your doctor may advise you to postpone therapy with the medicine based on your clinical condition.
Growth retardation
Imatirel 400 mg Tablet should be used with caution in children below 18 years of age due to the increased risk of growth retardation. Monitor your child’s growth parameters closely during treatment with this medicine.
Driving or operating machines
Use of Imatirel 400 mg Tablet may cause dizziness and blurring of vision. Hence, avoid performing any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machines during treatment with this medicine.
Risk of infections
Use of Imatirel 400 mg Tablet may weaken your immune system and may make you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid coming in contact with people who have infections while taking this medicine.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose. Contact your doctor for further instructions if you miss more than one scheduled dose of this medicine.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if an overdose with this medicine is suspected.

General Instructions

Take Imatirel 400 mg Tablet with a meal to avoid stomach irritation
Take Imatirel 400 mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid taking this medicine in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Avoid the discontinuaton of this medicine without consulting your doctor.

You may require frequent blood tests and liver function tests while taking this medicine.

You may also require frequent follow-ups with your doctor to check the progress of treatment.

Avoid the exposure to direct sunlight. Use protective clothing and sunscreen while going out in the sun.