Imatinib is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of leukemia and soft-tissue sarcoma. It can also be used to treat other types of cancer as part of a research trial.

Imatinib can be used to treat:

  • chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
  • a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) called Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+ALL)
  • gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
  • a rare type of soft-tissue cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
  • other types of cancer as part of a research trial.

You will see your doctor regularly while receiving this treatment so that they may monitor its side effects.


WHAT IS IMATINIB?

Imatinib is a type of treatment called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Kinases are important proteins for the body that regulate the way cells grow and divide.


HOW DOES IMATINIB WORK?

Imatinib acts by blocking signals within the cancer cells that make them grow and divide. Blocking the signals causes them to die.


WHEN IS IMATINIB USED?

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Imatinib is used to treat people with:

  • recent CML diagnosis where a bone marrow transplant is not appropriate
  • CML if initial treatment with interferon is no longer working
  • advanced CML in the accelerated phase or blast crisis.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Imatinib is used to treat people with:

  • a recent diagnosis of Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (PH+ALL) in combination with chemotherapy
  • Ph+ALL that has come back (relapsed) after initial treatment.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

Imatinib is used to treat people with:

  • GIST that can't be removed surgically or has spread within the body (metastatic GIST)
  • GIST that has been eliminated but where there is a high risk of the cancer returning; this is called adjuvant therapy.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

Imatinib is used to treat people with:

  • DFSP that can't be removed surgically or has spread within the body (metastatic DFSP)

WHAT DOES IMATINIB LOOK LIKE?

Imatinib is a pill with a color that is between a dark yellow and a brownish-orange. It comes in two dose sizes: 100 mg and 400 mg.


HOW IS IMATINIB TAKEN?

Imatinib is normally taken once a day. The tablets should be taken with a meal and swallowed with a large glass of water.


POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF IMATINIB

Each person reacts differently to cancer treatment. Some people have very few side effects, while others may develop more. The side effects described here will not affect everyone who is treated with the drug.

We outline the most commonly side effects, though we have left out the rarer ones. If you notice you develop any side effects that are not listed here, talk to your doctor or specialist nurse.


NAUSEA

This is normally mild. Your doctor can prescribe antiemetic drugs, which can prevent or substantially reduce your nausea and vomiting. Nausea can also be controlled by taking imatinib after eating.

If your nausea remains uncontrolled or continues, tell your doctor, as they can prescribe other drugs that could work better. Some drugs can cause constipation. Tell your doctor or nurse if this is a problem.


DIARRHEA

Imatinib can cause diarrhea. Normally, this can be easily controlled with drugs, so tell your doctor if your diarrhea is severe or ongoing. It's important to drink lots of fluids if you have diarrhea.


HEADACHES

Some people find that imatinib gives them headaches. If this happens, tell your doctor or nurse. They can give you painkillers to help.


LEG PAIN / CRAMPING

This can often be relieved by taking mild painkillers; your doctor can prescribe these for you.


BUILD-UP OF FLUID

Some people notice swelling around their eyes and in their ankles due to a build-up of fluid. This does no harm, though it can be bothersome and uncomfortable. Diuretics can help rid the body of fluids, though often these fluids are eliminated by themselves. Tell your doctor if you experience rapid weight gain. This may be a sign that you are retaining fluids.


CHANGES IN YOUR VISION

Imatinib can cause soreness in the eyes and can worsen your vision. It can also increase your eyes' tear production, which may leave them teary. If your vision has deteriorated, you should be careful when driving or operating machinery.


ITCHY RASH

A rash can sometime happen to people who are being treated with imatinib. It is important to let your doctor know if this happens to you. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to help with this.


RISK OF INFECTION

Imatinib can reduce your number of white blood cells, which help fight off infection. White blood cells are produced by bone marrow. If your white blood cell count is low, you will be more prone to infection. A low number of white blood cells is called neutropenia.

Contact your doctor or your hospital immediately if:

  • your temperature rises above 38 ° C
  • you suddenly feel unwell, even if your temperature is normal.

It may sometimes be necessary to delay the treatment if your blood count shows that you still have a low number of white blood cells.


BRUISING AND BLEEDING

Imatinib can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. Tell your doctor if you have any unexplained bleeding or bruising, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood spots, or skin rashes. You may have a platelet transfusion if your platelet count is low.


ANEMIA (LOW RED BLOOD CELLS)

Imatinib can reduce the number of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. A low number of red blood cells is called anemia. This may make you feel tired and short of breath. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have these symptoms. You may need a blood transfusion if the number of red blood cells in your blood is too low.


LOSS OF APPETITE

Some people lose their appetite while taking imatinib. This can be mild and last for a few days. If it doesn't get better, request to see a dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital. They can give you advice on how to improve your appetite and maintain a healthy weight.

It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you feel unwell or have severe side effects, even if these are not among those mentioned above.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


OTHER MEDICINES

Some drugs, including those bought over the counter in a store or pharmacy, may be harmful to you while you are taking imatinib. Tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs, including over-the-counter medications, complementary therapies, and herbal remedies.


FERTILITY

This treatment may affect your ability to conceive. It is important that you talk to your doctor before beginning treatment.


CONTRACEPTION

Little is known about the effects of imatinib on developing babies. Therefore, it is not recommendable to become pregnant while taking this drug.

It is unknown whether imatinib is present in semen or vaginal fluid. In order to protect your partner, it is safest to avoid having sex or use a barrier contraceptive device for about 48 hours after the chemotherapy.


BREASTFEEDING

There is a potential risk that imatinib may be present in breast milk, and therefore women are recommended not to breast feed during the treatment and for a few months afterward.


HOSPITAL ADMISSION

If you are admitted to the hospital for any reason not related to cancer, it is important that you tell your doctors and nurses caring for you that you are receiving treatment with imatinib.


OTHER ISSUES TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT IMATINIB TABLETS

It is important to take the pills as indicated by your doctor.

If you are being treated for a non-cancerous condition, always tell your doctor you are taking imatinib; imatinib treatment should not be stopped or restarted without talking to your cancer specialist first.

Keep the pills in their original packaging at room temperature. They should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep them in a safe place out of the reach of children.

If your doctor decides to halt your treatment, return the remaining tablets to the hospital. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them away.

If you vomit right after taking the tablets, let your doctor know, as you may need to take another dose. Do not take any other pills before consulting with your doctor.

If you forget to take a pill, do not take a double dose. Tell your doctor and maintain your normal dose schedule.