Imatinib mesylate

Uses

Imatinib mesylate is used in the treatment of blood cancer, specifically chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

How it Works

How Imatinib mesylate works Imatinib mesylate is an anti-cancer medication. It targets the protein enzyme bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, which is responsible for the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells. This medication inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in bcr-abl positive cells (cancer cells). This mechanism helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Imatinib mesylate include edema (swelling), fatigue, rash, fever, hair loss, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), joint pain, muscle pain, weight gain, night sweats, itching, gastrointestinal toxicity, blood cell abnormalities, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), and upper respiratory tract infection.

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