How does Imatinib (Gleevec) help in cancer patients?

 What is Imatinib (Gleevec)?

Gleevec is a medicine that contains an active substance called imatinib. This medication works by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells in the diseases described below. These include some types of cancer.  Imatinib is indicated for the treatment of certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Imatinib may also be used to treat certain immune system disorders (such as aggressive systemic mastocytosis, hypereosinophilic syndrome). However, Imatinib price is not affordable such as other cancer medicines.

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a treatment for adults and children for:
 
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. These white blood cells normally help the body fight infections. Chronic myeloid leukemia is a form of leukemia in which abnormal white cells (called myeloid cells) begin to grow out of control.
 
Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-positive ALL). Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. These white blood cells normally help the body fight infections. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a form of leukemia in which abnormal white cells (called lymphoblasts) begin to grow uncontrollably. Imatinib inhibits the growth of these cells.
 
Imatinib (Gleevec) is also a treatment for adults for:
 
Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndromes (MDS/MPS). These are a group of blood diseases in which some blood cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Imatinib inhibits the growth of these cells in a certain subtype of these diseases.
 
Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CLE). These are blood diseases in which blood cells (called eosinophils) begin to grow uncontrollably. Imatinib inhibits the growth of these cells in a certain subtype of these diseases.
 
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). GIST is a cancer of the stomach and intestine. It is caused by uncontrolled cell growth of the supporting tissues of these organs.
 
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). DFSP is a cancer of the tissue under the skin in which some cells begin to grow out of control. Imatinib inhibits the growth of these cells.
 
These abbreviations are used in the rest of this leaflet when referring to these diseases.
 
If you have any questions about how imatinib works, or why this medicine has been prescribed for you, ask your doctor.

How to take Imatinib? 

Take Imatinib by mouth with a meal and a full glass of water (240 milliliters or 8 ounces) as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. Do not crush the pills. If you have difficulty swallowing the pills whole, you can dissolve them in a glass of water or apple juice. The amount of liquid will depend on your dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for detailed instructions. Stir the mixture well until the pills are dissolved and take it immediately.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be taking. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). For children, the dosage will also depend on body size.

Avoid grapefruit (sliced or juiced) while being treated with this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you it is safe to do so. Grapefruit may increase the chance of side effects with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.

Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster and your risk of experiencing side effects will increase.
Because this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may cause fetal harm, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle it or breathe the dust from the pills.

There are some affordable generic also available for this medicine such as Veenat 400mg.