Veenat 400 Tablet

Veenat 400 (Imatinib), the indigenous drug, is used for patients with different types of blood cancer caused due to irregular growth of white blood cells (WBCs). It hinders the growth of these abnormal cells and induces the mechanism of self-destruction (apoptosis) in them. It was developed when abnormal chromosome gene type (bcr-abl tyrosine kinase protein) was identified. It inhibits the growth of these bcr-abl proteins responsible for causing cancer.

Veenat 400 (Imatinib) is useful in patients suffering from different types of blood cancers like,

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)
• Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM)
• Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Diseases (MDS/MPD)

Other uses:

• Cancer of the stomach and small intestine [Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)]
• Cancer that occurs in the profound layers of the skin such as muscles, fat layer, and skin [Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)]

Administration of Veenat 400 (Imatinib):

The oral dosage of Imatikast varies based on the type of cancer. Table 1 shows the recommended dosage of imatinib based on the disease type. If patients are taking an 800 mg dose, they should consume a 400 mg tablet 2 times a day for reducing the risk of increased iron in the body. However, the dosages of 400 or 600 mg can be taken once in a day. Grapefruit juice should be completely avoided while taking this drug, as it is known to cause severe side-effects.

Imatinib is a readily-absorbable drug with more than 98% absorption rate (bioavailable) in our body. It is metabolized in the liver and distributed throughout the region affected by cancer. Once it completes its action, more than 81% of the dose is expelled from the body within 7 days.

Table 1: Recommended dosage of Veenat 400 (Imatinib)

 When should Veenat 400 (Imatinib) be avoided?

• Dosing should be immediately reduced if RBC or WBC count reduces (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) in the weekly or monthly blood testing
• If the patients have severe risk or history of heart disease (heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction), their heart rate should be checked regularly and dosing should be adjusted accordingly
• In patients with toxicities of liver, heart, kidney or immunity, the dosage needs to be adjusted based on the given conditions
• If patients are suffering from the severe loss of blood (hemorrhage)
• If patients have a high risk of liver damage due to chemical components in the drug (severe hepatotoxicity)
• If patients have serious problems like the formation of holes in the stomach or small intestine (Gastrointestinal perforations)
• If patients are presented with different forms of skin reactions (Stevens-Johnsons syndrome and erythema multiforme)
• When patients are planning to get pregnant or is currently pregnant
• When patients gain unexpected weight due to imatinib or any other drug leading to the risk of swelling and unwanted fluids in the body

Most common side-effects :

• Swelling in the affected regions (edema)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain and cramps in the muscles
• Stomach infections and diarrhoea
• Excessive tiredness
• Pain in the lower back
• Rashes

Take this medicine as per the dose and frequency advised by a doctor. The best is to swallow whole tablet with water. The tablet can be taken along with food. One should consult a doctor, if suffering from kidney, liver or heart problems. The tablets are not recommended during pregnancy and during breast feeding.