Bimatix
Bimatix is a medicine that stops the growth of abnormal cells in certain types of cancer and blood diseases.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you the exact dose. Typically, adult starting doses are 400 mg or 600 mg once daily, but some conditions may start at 100 mg or 800 mg split into two doses.
Method
Take Bimatix with a meal and a large glass of water to avoid stomach problems. Swallow the tablet whole. If you cannot swallow the tablet, dissolve it in about 50 ml of water or apple juice per 100 mg tablet (or 200 ml for a 400 mg tablet) and drink immediately.
The maximum daily dose for adults is typically 800 mg, but your doctor will advise you. For children, the maximum daily dose depends on the condition and should not exceed 800 mg for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia or 600 mg for Ph+ ALL.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache, tiredness
- •Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion
- •Skin rash
- •Muscle cramps or pain in joints, muscles, or bones
- •Swelling (e.g., swollen eyelids and ankles)
- •Loss of appetite, weight loss, or changes in taste
- •Dizziness or feeling faint
- •Sleep problems (insomnia)
- •Eye irritation (e.g., itchy, red, or swollen eyes), watery eyes, or blurred vision
- •Nosebleeds
- •Abdominal pain or swelling, gas, heartburn, or constipation
- •Itching
- •Unusual hair loss or thinning
- •Numbness in hands or feet
- •Mouth sores
- •Joint pain with swelling
- •Dry mouth, dry skin, or dry eyes
- •Reduced or increased skin sensitivity
- •Hot flashes, chills, or night sweats
- •Chest pain, irregular heartbeat (signs of heart problems)
- •Cough, difficulty breathing, or pain when breathing (signs of lung problems)
- •Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting (signs of low blood pressure)
- •Nausea with loss of appetite, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
- •Skin rash, red skin with blisters on lips, eyes, skin or mouth, skin peeling, fever, raised red or purple patches, itching, burning, blistering rash (signs of skin problems)
- •Severe stomach pain, blood in vomit, stool or urine, or black stools (signs of gastrointestinal problems)
- •Significantly reduced urine output, feeling thirsty (signs of kidney problems)
- •Severe headache, weakness or paralysis in limbs or face, speech difficulties, sudden loss of consciousness (signs of nervous system disorders like bleeding or swelling in the brain)
- •Paleness, tiredness, shortness of breath, and dark urine (signs of low red blood cell count)
- •Bone or joint pain (signs of osteonecrosis)
- •Confusion
- •Nail discoloration
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to imatinib or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had problems with your liver, kidneys, or heart.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking levothyroxine because your thyroid gland has been removed.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had or might have Hepatitis B. Bimatix can reactivate Hepatitis B, which can be fatal. Your doctor will check you for signs of this infection before treatment.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bruising, bleeding, fever, tiredness, and confusion during Bimatix treatment, as these could be signs of blood vessel damage (thrombotic microangiopathy).
Show 3 more warnings
- You may be more sensitive to sunlight during Bimatix treatment. Protect your skin with clothing and high SPF sunscreen. This applies to children too.
- If you gain weight quickly during Bimatix treatment, tell your doctor immediately, as Bimatix can cause fluid retention (severe swelling).
- This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you feel well again.