Imatinib Side Effects
Imatinib is the generic drug known as Gleevec. Imatinib is used to treat some kinds of chronic myelogenous leukemia in both adults and children, and also to treat a rare kind of cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This drug is the first one that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration that specifically turns off the signal of a protein that causes cancer.-
Function
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Imatinib attacks a protein that causes Philadelphia-chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia, and also attacks a protein known as Kit, which is thought to cause gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The medication is taken in pill form, in either a 100mg dose or a 400mg dose.
Common Side Effects
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Common side effects of Imatinib include muscle cramps or pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and rash. Some of these can be alleviated by having your doctor prescribe other medicine or creams, in addition to the Imatinib.
Serious Side Effects
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Side effects that can be a little more serious include severe fluid retention, low blood cell counts, heart failure, liver problems, and low levels of thyroid hormone. Your liver function will typically be monitored by your doctor, as will your blood counts, when taking Imatinib.
Precautions
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While taking Imatinib, talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, iron supplements, or any over-the-counter drugs, because they may interact with the way Imatinib works.
Warning
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If you are pregnant, think you might be, or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting Imatinib. If you are taking Imatinib, you should not breastfeed. Drinking grapefruit juice while taking Imatinib is also prohibited, as it may interfere with how the drug works in your body.
Famous Ties
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Erin Zammett Ruddy kept a blog on Glamour magazine's website that chronicled her life on Imatinib and living with cancer, aptly titled Life With Cancer. She is also the author of the book "My So-Called Normal Life".
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