Protein-tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
- Imatinib contains 100mg imatinib or 400mg imatinib as imatinib mesilate
- Imatinib is available in packs of 100mg 60s capsules or 400mg 30s capsules
- Imatinib is fully funded on the Pharmaceutical Schedule*
Imatinib is used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in adults and children and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph-positive ALL) in adults. In these categories of leukaemia (CML and ALL), white blood cells grow uncontrolled due to an enzyme that is produced by an abnormal chromosome. Imatinib works by destroying the abnormal cells while not affecting the normal cells. Imatinib works by reducing the growth of the abnormal cells.
Other treatments that Imatinib is used for in adults are:
Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or Chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL).
Blood diseases where “eosinophils” (a type of blood cell) start to grow uncontrolled.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
A tissue cancer where certain cells underneath the skin start to grow uncontrolled.
Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD).
Blood diseases where certain blood cells start to grow uncontrolled.
*Please note that Imatinib 100mg 30s Caps will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1 January 2021.
Imatinib, PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE. Imatinib capsules contain 100mg imatinib as imatinib mesilate or 400mg imatinib as imatinib mesilate. Imatinib is available in packs of 100mg 60s capsules or 400mg 30s capsules. Imatinib is indicated for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in adults and children and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph-positive ALL) in adults. Other indications for Imatinib include treatment for hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD).
Imatinib has risks and benefits. If you have any concerns about using Imatinib, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use Imatinib if you are allergic to imatinib, or any of the other ingredients in Imatinib. Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to any dyes, preservatives, other medication or foods. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including any medicines obtained without a prescription from your pharmacy, health store or supermarket.
Imatinib is not proposed for the treatment of children under three years of age as the effectiveness and safety of the medication is yet to be established.
Imatinib is not recommended for use when you are pregnant or your partner is pregnant.
Imatinib should not be used if you are breastfeeding.
Imatinib comes in two different strength capsules. Your doctor will have decided which strength you need and how many capsules to take. It is important that you follow the prescribed instructions your doctor gave you on the dosage of Imatinib and the duration you should take it. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Imatinib capsules are fully funded*. Standard doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges apply.
Distributed by REX Medical Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
