IMATIB 100 CAPSULE

🧬💊🛡️ Imatinib 100mg Tablet: Targeted Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia & Beyond

Imatinib 100mg is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used as a first-line treatment for certain types of cancers, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). It represents a revolutionary advance in targeted cancer therapy, designed to inhibit specific abnormal proteins that cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. Imatinib offers improved survival rates and disease control with fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Imatinib selectively inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, an abnormal fusion protein found in CML due to the Philadelphia chromosome translocation (t(9;22)). This fusion protein leads to uncontrolled cell division.

Imatinib also blocks other tyrosine kinases, including:

• c-KIT (in GIST)

• PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptors)

These kinases are critical for cancer cell signaling, growth, and survival, and Imatinib disrupts these pathways, inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.

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📌 Indications and Uses

Imatinib 100mg tablets are used in the treatment of:

🔹 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

• In chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis phases

• Both in newly diagnosed and previously treated patients

🔹 Philadelphia chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

• Often used in combination with chemotherapy

🔹 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

• When tumors are unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent

🔹 Myelodysplastic / Myeloproliferative Diseases (MDS/MPD)

• Associated with PDGFR gene rearrangements

🔹 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)

🔹 Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

• For unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic tumors

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Dosage varies by disease type and patient weight

• CML (chronic phase): 400–600mg daily

• Ph+ ALL or blast crisis: 600mg daily

• GIST: Usually starts at 400mg daily

Note: The 100mg tablet is typically used for dose titration, maintenance, or combination with higher doses to achieve desired levels.

• Take with food and a large glass of water to minimize GI side effects

• Do not crush or chew tablets

• Dosing adjustments may be required for side effects or drug interactions

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Requires regular monitoring of:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)

  • Liver function tests

  • Kidney function

• Use with caution in:

  • Liver impairment

  • Heart disease

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (avoid unless necessary)

• Can affect growth in children—requires pediatric monitoring

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Muscle cramps

• Fluid retention, especially around eyes

• Skin rash

• Fatigue

Serious:

• Myelosuppression (low blood counts)

• Liver toxicity

• Heart failure

• Bleeding or clotting disorders

Seek immediate care for chest pain, breathing difficulty, jaundice, or signs of infection.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) or inducers (e.g., rifampin)

• Use caution with paracetamol, warfarin, or other chemotherapy agents

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 15–30°C

• Protect from moisture and light

• Keep away from children and pets

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📝 Conclusion

Imatinib 100mg tablet is a cornerstone in the treatment of CML and GIST, offering a targeted, less toxic approach compared to traditional chemotherapy. By blocking cancer-specific tyrosine kinases, it halts disease progression and significantly improves survival. With careful monitoring, Imatinib has transformed certain previously fatal cancers into manageable chronic conditions.

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Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.