Imatinib or imatinib mesylate is a drug fortreat leukemia or blood cancer. Imatinib is an anticancer drug belonging to the class of protein kinase inhibitors (protein kinase inhibitor).
In addition, this drug is also used in medicine gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), myelodysplastic syndrome, hypereosinophilic syndrome, aggressive systemic mastocytosis, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans that are difficult to treat surgically.
Imatinib works by inhibiting the function of the tyrosine kinase enzyme. This way of working will help stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Merek dagang imatinib:Glivec, Imasonib 100, Imnib 400, Imatin, Leukivec, Mianib, Nivec, Tinibat
What is Imatinib
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Protein kinase inhibitor class of anticancer drugs |
| Benefit | treat leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), myelodysplastic syndrome, hypereosinophilic syndrome, aggressive systemic mastocytosis, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans that are difficult to treat surgically |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Imatinib for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Imatinib can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Imatinib
Imatinib should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Before taking imatinib, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Imatinib should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, hepatitis B, kidney disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, hypertension, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or have recently had chemotherapy procedures.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with imatinib.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while taking imatinib.
- As much as possible, avoid close contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as the flu or measles, while taking imatinib, as this drug can increase your risk of contracting it.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking imatinib if you plan to have certain medical procedures, such as surgery or dental surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while you are taking imatinib, as this medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or drowsiness.
- Check your child's growth and development to the doctor regularly while undergoing treatment with imatinib. This is because long-term use of imatinib can slow down the growth process of children.
- Don't consume grapefruit during treatment with imatinib, because it can cause side effects.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an overdose, allergic reaction to a drug, or a more serious side effect after taking imatinib.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Imatinib
The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment with imatinib based on the patient's age, condition, and body's response to the drug. The following is the dosage of imatinib based on the condition you wish to treat:
Condition: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Mature: 600 mg per day.
- Children >1 year old: 340 mg/m2 per day. The dose should not be more than 600 mg per day.
Condition:Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
- Mature: 400 mg, per day. The dose can be increased to 400 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition: Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Mature: 400 mg per day.
Condition: Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- Mature: 100 mg, once a day. The dose can be increased to 400 mg daily.
Condition: Aggressive systemic mastocytosis
- Mature: 400 mg per day. Dosage in patients with eosinophilia 100 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 400 mg according to the patient's body response.
Condition: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans that is difficult to treat surgically
- Mature: 400–800 mg, 1–2 times daily.
How to Consume Imatinib Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and be sure to read the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Take imatinib regularly at the same time each day. Imatinib should be taken after meals. Swallow the medicine with the help of water.
You can also dissolve imatinib tablets or capsules with water or a glass of apple juice. The trick, stir for 15 minutes until the tablet or capsule dissolves, then drink.
If you forget to take imatinib, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Carry out regular check-ups as recommended by your doctor during treatment with imatinib. Do not stop taking imatinib without consulting your doctor first.
During treatment with imatinib, you may be asked to have regular complete blood tests, liver function tests, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection.
Store imatinib in a dry, closed place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Imatinib Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several effects of drug interactions that can occur when imatinib is used together with other drugs, namely:
- Decreased levels of imatinib when used with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, dexamethasone, phenytoin, or rifampicin
- Increased levels of imatinib when used with ketoconazole, clarithromycin, voriconazole, ritonavir, or indinavir
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of levothyroxine
- Elevated levels of quinidine, ciclosporin, simvastatin, ergotamine, amlodipine, tacrolimus, or metoprolol
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
In addition, if imatinib is taken togethergrapefruitimatinib levels and effects may increase, increasing the risk of side effects.
Imatinib Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking imatinib are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain or cramps
- dizzy or
- Blurred vision
- Sleep disturbance
- Hair loss
- Dry skin or dry mouth
- Unusual tired
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the eyelids or lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Hard to breathe
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Jaundice
- Bloody stools or easy bruising
- Tired and weak that is getting heavier
- Severe stomach ache
- Symptoms of an infectious disease appear, such as a sore throat that doesn't get better, fever, or chills that lasts continuously
