Imatinib is a type of targeted therapy that is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). While imatinib is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. The common side effects of imatinib treatment include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
- Edema (swelling)
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Hair thinning
- Nosebleeds
- Sore mouth
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Wind (flatulence)
- High temperature (fever)
- Sensitive to light
- Feeling cold, shivers or shaking
Some of the less common side effects of imatinib treatment include:
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face, hands, lower legs, or feet
- Blood in the urine
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Feeling weak or tired
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Changes in vision
- Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
It is important to note that not everyone who takes imatinib will experience side effects, and the severity of side effects can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any side effects from imatinib treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend other treatments to help manage your symptoms.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010822/
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/imatinib-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068331?p=1
[3] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20983/imatinib-oral/details
[4] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/imatinib
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606018.html
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/imatinib-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068331
