Tag: Imatinib

Following the expiration of the original patent, numerous companies now produce generic versions of imatinib mesylate, a crucial targeted cancer drug. The widespread availability of generic imatinib drugs has significantly changed the market, increasing accessibility and impacting pricing for patients worldwide.

In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved imatinib (brand name Gleevec), marking a monumental shift in cancer treatment as it was the first rationally designed kinase inhibitor to directly target a specific cancer-causing protein. Its approval opened the door to a new era of precision medicine, demonstrating that targeted therapy could be a safe and highly effective alternative to conventional chemotherapy.

The human genome encodes 518 different protein kinases, many of which are targets for modern drugs [1.8.4]. If you've ever looked at the names of modern cancer medications and asked, **'Why do drug names end in nib?'**, the answer lies in a systematic naming convention that reveals the drug's mechanism of action.

According to guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, caution is advised when using acetaminophen (Tylenol) in patients taking imatinib due to potential liver toxicity. This is because the two medications can interact in a way that increases stress on the liver.

According to official prescribing information and clinical reports, night sweats are a common side effect of the cancer medication imatinib. While often mild, they can be bothersome and interfere with a patient's sleep and quality of life.

Fluid retention, or edema, is the most common side effect associated with imatinib therapy, affecting a significant number of patients. Understanding what are the side effects of taking imatinib, an oral chemotherapy medication, is crucial for patients and caregivers to recognize, manage, and report potential adverse reactions to their healthcare team.

Dozens of targeted therapy drugs have been approved in the field of oncology, with many identified as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These TKI medications, including many examples of what drugs have the suffix tinib, represent a targeted approach to treating cancer by inhibiting specific enzymes that drive tumor growth.

In clinical trials, diarrhea has been identified as a very common side effect of imatinib, affecting a significant portion of patients undergoing treatment for cancers like Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). This gastrointestinal issue, often ranging from mild to moderate, is a recognized consequence of the drug's mechanism of action.

Pyrexia, or fever, is a reported side effect for some patients taking imatinib, appearing in about 18% of patients in clinical trials. This fever is not always caused by infection but can stem from several underlying mechanisms, including hypersensitivity reactions and other drug-related effects. It is crucial for patients to recognize and report this symptom promptly to their healthcare team.

In clinical trials, oral ulceration was reported as an uncommon (0.1% to 1%) side effect for patients taking imatinib, the active ingredient in Gleevec. This means that while a majority of patients may not experience this issue, it is a possibility and a known concern for those undergoing treatment. This article explores the link between Gleevec and mouth sores, offering practical advice for management and care.