Veenat 400 (Imatinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and finds immense use in treating various types of blood cancer (like chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
It is to be taken for the entire duration that has been advised by the medical practitioner, which will depend on the degree of responsiveness of the patient’s body towards the drug. It’s advisable to administer the medicine at the same time every day, and it should be administered along with food. An incorrect administration of the drug might cause harmful effects. It might take days or even months for any noticeable change to occur, but the medication is not to be stopped unless and until the doctor advises it.
Common allergic reactions to this drug are:
- Nausea
- Muscle Cramps
- Edema
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
The practitioner may advise monitoring of the patient’s liver functions and blood cells. Any unexpected weight gain must be reported to the concerned doctor. The patient is also advised against driving and doing other activities that require mental focus on the part of the doer if they experience a blurry vision with accompanying dizziness, which is normal.
Physicians should positively check the compatibility of this drug with any other medications that the patient would be undergoing simultaneously to prevent any unhealthy interactions between the two and the ensuing irritation.
Benefits of Veenat 400 (Imatinib)
- In Blood Cancer (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), cancer in the blood-forming tissues decreases the body’s infection-fighting abilities. This drug helps by killing or retarding the multiplication of the cancerous cells. This is a very potent drug, and the patient is advised to avoid alcohol consumption and stay hydrated during the medication.
- In the case of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, another form of blood cancer, this medication is quite effective.
- In the case of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), Veenat 400 (Imatinib) cures by killing the cancerous cells and stopping the growth of tumors in the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC).
Side Effects of Veenat 400 (Imatinib)
Common side-effects of the drug are Edema (Swelling), Nausea, Muscle Cramp, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle, or joint) pain, Diarrhea, Rash, Fatigue, and Abdominal Pain. The patient may develop one or more of these side effects at the onset of the medication, but it generally goes away once their body adapts to the medication. However, the patient is advised to consult their medical practitioner if the symptoms persist or exacerbate.
Mode and Way of Administration
The drug is to be administered strictly following the dosage prescribed by the practitioner. The tablet is to be swallowed as a whole. The patient is advised against chewing, crushing, or breaking the tablet. It’s advisable to take the drug with food. If the patient accidentally misses a particular drug dose, they are advised to skip it altogether and stick to the normal schedule. There’s no need to double the next dose.
Working of Veenat 400 (Imatinib)
Veenat 400 (Imatinib) is a cancer-curing drug that induces apoptosis (planned cell death) in the bcr-abl positive cells (cancer cells). Bcr-abl tyrosine kinase is a protein-secreting enzyme that causes cancer cells to proliferate abnormally.
Interaction With Other Drugs
The practitioner is advised to check for possible interactions that this drug may have with any other drugs that the patient would be taking. Some of the drugs which can cause serious side effects if they interact with Veenat 400 (Imatinib) are Atorvastatin, Carbamazepine, Fluvastatin, and Lovastatin.
