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How Can I Reduce the Side Effects of Imatinib?

Imatinib is an anticancer medication that is used for the treatment of leukaemia and myelodysplastic cancer. It also treats gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Imatinib is also known as Gleevac. It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that functions by blocking the activity of BCR–ABL tyrosine kinase. It also blocks the actions of several growth factors which are needed by the tumours. Therefore, it induces cell death in the cancerous cells and thereby prevents the growth and spreading of tumours. Imatinib 400mg tablets are taken orally every day with a meal. However, avoid grapefruit or its juice while consuming this tablet. Side effects of Imatinib are – ·          Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea ·          Sudden weight loss or weight gain ·          Loss of appetite ·          Dizziness and extreme fatigue ·          Blurred vision and pink eye ·          Redness, rashes of skin ·          Swelling of joints ·          Trouble in sleeping ·          Hair loss ·          S