Imatikast tablet contains the active substance imatinib. It is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This tablet is used in treating adults and children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML—it is a form of leukemia in which certain abnormal white blood cells start growing out of control). It is also indicated to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-positive ALL). It is also used to treat certain types of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST, a type of tumor that grows in the walls of the digestive passages and may spread to other parts of the body). 

Imatikast tablet is also used to treat myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD); these are a group of blood diseases in which some blood cells start growing out of control. They also treat hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL); these are blood diseases in which some blood cells (eosinophils) start growing out of control. This medicine is also intended to treat dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a cancer of the tissue beneath the skin in which some cells start growing abnormally. It works to inhibit the growth of these abnormal blood cells.  

Do not take the Imatikast tablet if you are allergic to imatinib or any other ingredients in this medicine. Before initiating the treatment, inform your physician if you have kidney, heart, or liver problems, if you have thyroid problems, or if your thyroid gland has been removed. Notify your doctor if you have ever had or have a hepatitis B infection because this medicine could cause the hepatitis B to become active again. Report any symptoms of bruising, bleeding, fever, fatigue, and confusion when taking this medicine. This medicine may cause fertility problems.

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ph-positive ALL)
• Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD)
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)
• Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

Imatinib mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks a specific abnormal protein created by a chromosomal abnormality that signals cancer cells to multiply. It inhibits the multiplication and induces cell death in abnormal cancer cells.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Take the tablets as prescribed by your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Take this medicine with a meal to avoid stomach problems. If you are unable to swallow the tablets, you can dissolve them as per your doctor's advice.

Common:

Swelling in the face, legs, ankles, and feet

Nausea, vomiting

Muscle cramps and pain

Diarrhea

Skin rash, night sweats

Tiredness, dizziness

Abdominal pain

Increased weight

Decreased RBC and WBC cells

Headache

Cough, Inflammation in the nose

Fever, lack of sleep

Serious:

Heart failure

GI disorders

Hypothyroidism

Liver failure

Swelling in the body

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the effects of the Imatikast tablet and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Inform your physician, especially if you are using medicines that prevent the formation of blood clots.

• Store Imatikast tablets at room temperature (25°C)
• Keep the tablet away from the reach of children and pets.
• If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
• Avoid direct contact with crushed tablets and the skin or mucous membrane. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly.

You may become more sensitive to the sun while taking Imatikast tablets. It is important to cover sun-exposed areas of skin and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor after consulting with your doctor. The medicine should be administered cautiously in patients with kidney problems. This tablet may cause your body to retain water; inform your physician if you put on weight very quickly after the therapy. Your doctor will regularly do lab tests to check whether the medicine works. Do not breastfeed during the treatment with this medicine and for 15 days after your last dose.