Cancer Drug Imatikast (Imatinib): Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

Imatikast (Imatinib) is a medicine used to treat several types of cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and myeloproliferative diseases. This drug is used with chemotherapy. It helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Side Effects:

This medicine produces quite a few side effects. But the doctor will prescribe you this medicine only when he believes that this medicine will benefit you beyond the side effects. Some side effects are to be monitored carefully. If one faces diarrhea, muscle cramps, nausea, upset stomach blurred vision, or dizziness, and these side effects worsen with time, report it to your doctor immediately.

One may face other side effects. If they are mild, it is nothing to worry about, but one must consult the doctor if it becomes serious or unbearable. The other side effects can be:

• Sudden weight gain
• Easy bruising
• Swelling of abdomen, ankles, feet or hands
• Swelling near the eyes
• Bloody or black stool
• Vomit looking like coffee grounds
• Uncontrolled vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach ache
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of skin or eyes

According to your doctor’s suggestion, to reduce the chances of side effects, drink a lot of fluids or otherwise. Emergency side effects, which you need to inform the doctor without any delay are:

• Painful urination
• Pink or blood in the urine
• Back pain
• Flank pain
• Muscle weakness and spasms

Precautions

Before any medication, inform your doctor about any other previous or current health problems or ongoing medications. This medicine may cause an allergic reaction to your ongoing medications. So, it is important to put all the information on the table. This medication can also make you feel dizzy. Avoid driving or doing any work that requires your focus. Limit the intake of alcohol. Do not consume the medicine with alcohol.

This medicine can worsen infections. So, avoid being around anyone suffering from infections that can spread like the flu, chickenpox, and so on. Consult your doctor immediately if you have been exposed to any kind of infection.