Antiblastoma (antitumor) agent “Gleevec” is an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase. The active element of this drug - imatinib - suppresses the growth of cells in the tumor and leads to regulated breakdown of cell lines (apoptosis), including leukemia cells, which are formed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Why is the generic of the “Glivec” drug much cheaper?
In order for the purchase of vital medicines not to be inaccessible for the patient, there is a production of generics - drugs manufactured using the brand-name technology and having the same active substance. The effect of taking a generic drug is the same, and the cost is always more affordable. This is due to the fact that its release does not require the manufacturer any development costs or advertising and testing costs.
Generic means "Gleevec", manufactured by the Indian company Cipla Ltd., is called Imatib. And you can purchase it on the site ., while seriously saving on the purchase . So, for Glivec capsules, the price in the Russian Federation is within 73,000 rubles. And the cost of a generic on the named site is about 7320 rubles. Agree, the difference is very significant.
Dosage
But before you buy the generic drug "Gleevec", you should coordinate its use with a specialist who has experience in the treatment of cancer patients. The dosage of the indicated remedy depends on the diagnosis and condition of the patient.
So, in the case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), both 400 and 600 mg of the drug per day can be prescribed. And if its intake did not cause the development of neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, then the daily dose, if necessary, is increased to 800 mg / day. Such an increase can be caused by the progression of the disease at any stage, as well as the lack of the expected effect after a 3-month course of therapy.
Application features
Capsules "Gleevec" should be drunk once a day and drink plenty of water. To avoid indigestion, experts recommend taking the drug with meals.
If the patient is assigned the maximum dose of this drug (800 mg), then it is better to divide it into 2 doses. If necessary, you can dilute the drug in apple juice or in water. The resulting suspension should be drunk immediately after preparation.
Side effects
Manifestations of side effects from the use of the drug “Gleevec”, the instructions for which are proposed in our article, are rather difficult to evaluate, since in the course of therapy there are many symptoms inherent in the underlying disease and signs of side effects of the drugs taken simultaneously.
Judging by the reviews, “Gleevec” is well tolerated by both adults and children. And the negative effects from its use turned out to be mostly mild or moderate.
Most often it was possible to observe:
- anemia
- diarrhea
- nausea, vomiting;
- muscle cramps;
- muscle pain;
- headache;
- rashes on the body.
special instructions
Treatment with the described drug should be accompanied by a regular blood test, as well as monitoring of liver function, body weight and gastrointestinal tract. Particular attention should be paid to patients with heart diseases and children, since in the latter, taking the drug can provoke growth retardation.