Generic Glivec (Imatinib) 400mg

General information

Generic Glivec (Imatinib) 400mg is a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple cancers, most notably Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In order to survive, cells need signaling through proteins (signal cascade) to keep them alive. Some of the proteins in this cascade use a phosphate group as an "on" switch. This phosphate group is added by a tyrosine kinase enzyme. In healthy cells, these tyrosine kinase enzymes are turned on and off as needed. In Ph-positive CML cells, one tyrosine kinase enzyme, BCR-Abl, is stuck on the "on" position, and keeps adding phosphate groups. Imatinib blocks this BCR-Abl enzyme, and stops it from adding phosphate groups. As a result, these cells stop growing, and even die by a process of cell death (apoptosis). Because the BCR-Abl tyrosine kinase enzyme exists only in cancer cells and not in healthy cells, imatinib works as a form of targeted therapy—only cancer cells are killed through the drug's action. In this regard, imatinib was one of the first cancer therapies to show the potential for such targeted action, and is often cited as a paradigm for research in cancer therapeutics.

Indications

• Newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase.
• Ph+ CML in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.
• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome + acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
• Adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with PDGFR gene rearrangements.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors that are C-kit positive.

Directions

Take this medicine with a large glass of water. Imatinib should be taken with a meal. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.

Precautions

Do not use Imatinib without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Before using Imatinib, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding or if you are receiving chemotherapy.

To be sure Imatinib is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Imatinib :

• Liver disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Congestive heart failure;
• A history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• If you are receiving chemotherapy.

Contraindications

Do not use Generic Glivec (Imatinib) 400mg if you are allergic to imatinib

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Imatinib:

• hives;
• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects :

• Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• Feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• Swelling, rapid weight gain;
• Urinating more or less than usual, or not at all; or
• Sudden, severe headache or pain behind the eyes.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember, making sure you also eat a meal and drink a large glass of water. If it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take the medicine when you eat your next meal. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include severe muscle cramps.

Storage

Store Generic Glivec (Imatinib) 400mg at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.