Tuesday 29 March 2016

Imatinib, an Enzyme Inhibitor used to treat Leukaemia

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). This class of anti-cancer drugs inhibit the action of particular enzymes known as tyrosine kinases within the body. Imatinib is one of many generic oncology products available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals.
 http://www.tajaccura.com/product/tyronib-imatinib/

What is Imatinib used for?
Imatinib is mainly used for the treatment of:
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (In particular a form of CML that is said to be ‘Philadelpha Chromosome positive’). [i]
  • Relapsed or refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (again this is particularly for ALL that is Philadelphia Chromosome positive).
  • Myeloproliferative disease (these are a range of conditions in which the blood cells grow at abnormal rates within the bone marrow).
  • Gastrointestinal tumours.





How does Imatinib work?
Imatinib is known as a targeted therapy because it has been developed to be much more specific for cancer cells than healthy cells.[ii] It inhibits the actions of the tyrosine kinase enzymes. These proteins are used as chemical messengers by cells in our bodies. They tell other cells when they should start to grow. This is obviously of relevance to cancer which involves uncontrolled cell growth.
This cell growth arises when the tyrosine kinases accidentally get permanently activated, such that cells begin to grow and divide much faster than normal.
When a patient is given Imatinib, the drug binds to the receptor and prevents it from getting activated. Consequently, the receptor is no longer capable of telling cells to continue dividing so tumour growth is either slowed or stopped completely.[iii]

Are there any side effects associated with the use of Imatinib?
Yes, as with other chemotherapeutics, there is a risk of side effects developing in patients being treated with Imatinib. Having said that, Imatinib is actually a safer drug that many of the older chemotherapeutics because it is a targeted therapy. In other words, it mainly leaves healthy cells alone and only goes after the cancerous cells.
Everyone reacts differently but examples of potential side effects include:
  • Nausea and vomiting (there are now effective medications available to manage this)
  • Diarrhoea (to avoid complications, patients should remain properly hydrated)
  • Reduced blood counts, potentially leading to an increased risk of infection
  • Swelling of the hands, feet and face
  • Itchy skin and rashes.
Patients are advised to contact their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any questions regarding treatment with Imatinib.

How is Imatinib given?
Imatinib is given as a tablet. Patients usually take their Imatinib tablet with a meal in order to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. They are advised to swallow them whole with a glass of water. The exact dose and timing will differ between patients, according to the instructions of their doctor.

Conclusion
Imatinib Hydrochloride
tablets to be used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer are available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals at doses of 100 mg or 400 mg.
Please visit www.tajaccura.com for further details.
Always remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare Professional if you have any questions about your own health or medications.
Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals are committed to providing affordable pharmaceutical care solutions to health providers and patients globally. Our enthusiastic and highly skilled bi-lingual sales team in English and French are more than welcome to take your queries. We are contactable by emailing info@tajaccura.com by phone at + 353 (1) 293 1882 or alternatively by fax at + 353 (1) 293 1883

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[i] Goldman JM, Melo JV (October 2003). “Chronic myeloid leukaemia – advances in biology and new approaches to treatment”. N. Engl. J. Med. 349 (15): 1451–64.
[ii] Fausel, C (2007). Targeted chronic myeloid leukaemia therapy: Seeking a cure. Am J Health Syst Pharm 64, S9-15.
[iii] Deininger MW, Druker BJ (September 2003). “Specific targeted therapy of chronic myelogenous leukaemia with imatinib”. Pharmacol. Rev. 55 (3): 401–23.

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