IMALIEVA contains Imatinib Mesylate, a targeted anticancer medicine. It works as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) by blocking enzymes (BCR-ABL, c-KIT, PDGFR) that signal cancer cell growth, thereby slowing or stopping cancer progression.

Imatinib is used in adults for:

1. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – Philadelphia chromosome-positive

2. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Philadelphia chromosome-positive

3. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) – KIT-positive or PDGFR-positive

4. Other rare malignancies like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

Common side effects:

•  Nausea, vomiting

•  Diarrhea

•  Fatigue

•  Fluid retention (edema)

•  Muscle cramps

Serious side effects:

•  Liver toxicity (hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes)

•  Severe neutropenia or thrombocytopenia

•  Heart rhythm disturbances (rare)

•  Gastrointestinal bleeding

 Regular monitoring of CBC and liver function tests is required.

•  Standard dose: 400 mg once daily orally (may be increased up to 800 mg/day based on response)

•  Take with food and a large glass of water

•  Dose adjustment may be required in hepatic or renal impairment

NOTE: This medicine should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision.