Imatinib brands and prices in Pakistan

About Imatinib

Imatinib is a targeted cancer medicine from a group called kinase inhibitors. It blocks an abnormal protein made by certain cancer cells, which helps slow or stop those cells from growing and spreading. It is taken by mouth as tablets (a liquid form also exists in some countries). It is only prescribed by a doctor with experience in treating blood cancers or solid tumours, and the specialist team checks blood tests and weight during treatment. WHO includes it on its Essential Medicines List.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to imatinib or any other ingredient.
• Tell your specialist if you have or have had heart, liver, kidney, lung or thyroid problems, high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Tell your specialist if you take levothyroxine because your thyroid has been removed.
• Hepatitis B can become active again during treatment, which can be very serious. You will be tested before you start. Tell your team if you have ever had hepatitis B.
• Tell your team if you take a medicine to prevent blood clots.
• Children: it may slow growth, so a child's growth is checked closely.
• Pregnancy: it may harm an unborn baby and is not recommended in pregnancy unless clearly needed. You may need a pregnancy test before starting. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a short time after the last dose; your team will tell you how long.
• Breastfeeding: do not breastfeed during treatment or for a time after the last dose. Sources give different lengths of time, so ask your team.
• Talk to your doctor if you are worried about fertility.
• Tell any surgeon or dentist that you are taking imatinib.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: avoid them, as they can affect how imatinib works
• St John's wort (a herbal remedy)
• Iron supplements: ask your team before starting them
• Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone)
• Medicines to prevent blood clots
• Paracetamol: usually acceptable for pain, but follow the instructions and do not take more than the recommended amount
• Some medicines can raise or lower the level of imatinib in the body. Tell your team about every medicine, vitamin, herbal remedy and supplement you take, including ones bought without a prescription

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your specialist team tells you. Keep taking it for as long as your doctor says, even if you feel well, and do not stop on your own.
• Take it with a meal and a large glass of water. This helps reduce stomach upset.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew or crush them.
• If you cannot swallow tablets, they can be stirred into still water or apple juice until they break up, then drunk straight away. Do not mix them with milk, orange juice or cola. Ask your team how to do this.
• Handle the tablets with care. If crushed tablet or liquid gets on your skin, wash it off well. If you are pregnant or could be, ask your team about handling it for someone else.
• If you miss a dose, never take two doses together. Follow the leaflet or your team's advice. If a child vomits soon after a dose, ask the team before giving another.
• Protect your skin from the sun: cover up and use a high-factor sunscreen.
• If it makes you dizzy, sleepy or affects your sight, do not drive or use machines.
• Go to all your blood tests and check-ups. Your team will also weigh you regularly to check for fluid build-up.
• Keep it out of the reach of children. Never share it, and return unused tablets to a pharmacy.

Common questions

How long will I need to take imatinib?
It is usually a long-term treatment. Your specialist will tell you how long to keep taking it and will check regularly how well it is working. Do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.

Why do I need to be weighed?
Imatinib can make the body hold on to fluid, which shows up as swelling and fast weight gain. Regular weighing helps your team spot this early. Tell them straight away if you gain weight quickly.

Can I take painkillers?
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol can be used for headaches and muscle cramps, but follow the instructions and do not take more than recommended. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine.

Why do I need a hepatitis B test?
In people who have had hepatitis B, imatinib can make the virus active again, which can be very serious. Your doctor checks for it before you start.

What if I find it hard to swallow the tablets?
Do not crush or chew them. The tablets can be stirred into still water or apple juice and drunk straight away. Your team or pharmacist can explain exactly how to do this.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.