Imanib 400mg Tablet is used for:

• Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML): It is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+), a specific genetic abnormality, CML in different phases of the disease.

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): It may be used for certain Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, including relapsed or refractory disease in adults and in combination with chemotherapy in children.

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST): It is used for certain Kit-positive, unresectable or metastatic GIST and may also be used as adjuvant treatment after complete surgical removal of the tumour.

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): It may be used for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic DFSP.

• Other blood disorders: It may be prescribed for selected myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases, aggressive systemic mastocytosis, hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukaemia when specific molecular abnormalities are present.

The exact indication and dose depend on the type of cancer, disease phase and response to treatment.

Imanib 400mg Tablet blocks certain tyrosine kinases, which are proteins involved in signals that tell cells to grow and divide. Imatinib inhibits abnormal kinases such as BCR-ABL, KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) in conditions where these proteins contribute to uncontrolled cell growth.

By blocking these signals, imatinib helps slow or stop the growth of certain cancer cells.

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you take.

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Medicines such as rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital can reduce imatinib levels and may make it less effective.

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Medicines such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and some HIV medicines can increase imatinib levels and may increase side effects.

• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice: It can increase imatinib levels and should be avoided during treatment.

• Warfarin: Imatinib can interact with warfarin. If anticoagulation is required, your doctor may consider another anticoagulant such as heparin.

• Medicines metabolised by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6: Imatinib can affect the levels of some medicines processed by these enzymes, so your doctor may need to monitor or adjust them.

• Store Imanib 400mg Tablet at room temperature, according to the storage instructions on the product packaging.

• Protect the tablets from moisture.

• Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container when applicable.

• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

• Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

• Do not crush the tablets. Avoid direct contact with crushed tablets with the skin or mucous membranes.

Take Imanib 400mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose and duration depend on the condition being treated and your response to treatment.

Imatinib tablets should generally be taken with a meal and a large glass of water. The 400mg dose is commonly administered once daily for conditions where this dose is prescribed, but the treatment schedule can vary according to the indication. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice.

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it can be dispersed in water or apple juice. Do not crush the tablet yourself.

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose if the next dose is due soon. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Common side effects of Imanib 400mg Tablet may include:

• Swelling or fluid retention

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Muscle cramps

• Muscle or joint pain

• Rash

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain

These effects may vary depending on the condition being treated and the dose.

Serious side effects:

• Severe or rapidly increasing swelling or weight gain

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Severe anaemia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia

• Severe liver injury, which may cause yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Severe heart problems or worsening breathlessness

• Severe skin reactions, including blistering or peeling of the skin

• Severe abdominal pain, which may indicate gastrointestinal perforation

• Symptoms of tumour lysis syndrome, such as severe weakness, muscle cramps or abnormal heartbeat

Seek medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms suggesting a serious reaction.

• Take Imanib 400mg Tablet exactly as prescribed and continue treatment for as long as your doctor recommends.

• Take the tablet with a meal and plenty of water.

• Attend regular blood tests and other monitoring advised by your doctor.

• Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take before starting any new treatment.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Tell your doctor if you develop rapid weight gain, significant swelling, unusual bleeding, severe abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Do not stop treatment on your own, even if you feel well.