IMASHIL 400MG TAB

What is Imatinib Mesylate for:

This medication is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, prescribed for treating certain type of cancers such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells, acute lymphoblastic leukemia(cancer of the white blood cells), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and other cancers.

How does Imatinib Mesylate work:

It prevents the growth of cancer cells.

How should Imatinib Mesylate be used:

Available in the form tablets, to take by mouth (orally) with a meal and glass of water (8 oz240 ml). PO- Dose varies from 400mgday to 800mgday depending on condition. 400 to 600mgday should be administered once daily, 800mgday, should be administered twice daily.

Common side effects of Imatinib Mesylate :

Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count. This drug may need to be stopped. Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Belly pain. Cough. Headache. Hair loss. Hair most often grows back when this drug is stopped. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Runny nose. Muscle pain. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.

What precautions should I take when taking Imatinib Mesylate :

If you have an allergy to imatinib or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Trouble breathing. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Swelling in your legs or belly. Very bad headache. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Not able to eat. A big weight gain. Any bruising or bleeding. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Feeling very tired or weak. Black, tarry, or bloody stools. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Imatinib Mesylate with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Imatinib Mesylate :

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Immunological Chemotherapy