đź’Š DESCRIPTION
Imatinib (also known as Imatinib mesylate) is a targeted anticancer medication classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is used to treat cancers caused by specific genetic mutations.
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 100 mg
- Route: Oral
- Indications:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+)
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Ph+
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
- Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD)
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
âś… ADVANTAGES
- Targeted therapy – inhibits cancer cell proliferation with minimal effect on normal cells
- High efficacy in CML and GIST, leading to long-term remission in many patients
- Oral administration – convenient and non-invasive
- Generally well-tolerated compared to conventional chemotherapy
- Improves quality of life and survival in chronic cancers
🌿 NATURE
- Drug Class: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
- Mechanism of Action:
- Imatinib blocks BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, the abnormal protein produced by the Philadelphia chromosome in CML
- Also inhibits c-KIT, PDGFR, and other kinases involved in cell proliferation
- Leads to growth arrest and apoptosis of malignant cells
- Targeted, not cell-cycle specific
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests (LFTs)
- Myelosuppression: May cause neutropenia, thrombocytopenia – regular CBC monitoring required
- Fluid retention: Watch for edema, periorbital swelling, or weight gain
- Cardiotoxicity: Use cautiously in patients with cardiac disease
- GI symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are common
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated – teratogenic
- Lactation: Avoid during breastfeeding
- Drug Interactions: Many CYP3A4 interactions (e.g., with antifungals, antiepileptics, grapefruit juice)
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- Protect from moisture and light
- Keep in the original container
- Keep out of reach of children
👨‍⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Take with food and a large glass of water to reduce stomach upset
- Do not crush or chew the tablet
- Take at the same time daily to maintain consistent drug levels
- Avoid grapefruit juice, which can affect drug metabolism
- Report immediately: signs of bleeding, fever, fatigue, yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice), swelling
- Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor response and side effects
- Avoid pregnancy – use effective contraception during and after treatment
- May cause skin rash, muscle cramps, and changes in taste – report if severe
📦 PACKAGING
- Primary Packaging:
- Tablets packed in blister strips or HDPE bottles
- Each tablet contains 100 mg of Imatinib
- Secondary Packaging:
- Outer carton with leaflet
- Clearly labeled with:
- Drug name and strength
- Batch number and expiry date
- Storage conditions
- Manufacturer details
- Often marked “Rx only” or “Anticancer – Handle with care”