What Are The Uses Of Imatinib?

Imatinib, a chemotherapy drug, is used for treating cancers of various types, like:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia
• Myeloproliferative/ Myelodysplastic diseases (cancer in bone marrow)

What Are The Side Effects Of Imatinib?

Some of the common side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea/vomiting, drowsiness
• Muscle cramps, muscle/joint pain
• Dizziness, Headache
• Blurred vision
• Lowered immunity

• Unexplained/sudden weight gain
• Swelling in around the eyes, ankles/feet/ hands, abdomen
• Fast heartbeat, shortness of breath
• Symptoms of liver disease
• Bloody or black stools
• Vomitting 

What Are The Contraindications Of Imatinib?

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bleeding problems
• Heart problems like heart failure
• Liver disease
• Thyroid gland removal
• Kidney disease