VEENAT 400 MG 10 tablets

Veenat 400

Veenat 400  belongs to a class of drugs known as ‘anti-cancer medication’, primarily used to treat various types of cancer. It is used to treat cancer of the blood (chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including blood cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc.

Veenat 400  contains Imatinib, which is primarily used to treat cancer. It works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cancer cell proliferation and induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells in stopped or slowed down.

Take Veenat 400  as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Veenat 400  for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, vomiting, oedema, fatigue, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, abdominal pain. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.

Do not take Veenat 400  if you are allergic to Veenat 400  or any of its ingredients. Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea. While taking Veenat 400 , you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function and blood cells in the blood while taking Veenat 400 . Veenat 400  can cause swelling and water retention, so if you have unexpected rapid weight gain, please consult your doctor. If you ever had a hepatitis B infection, please tell your doctor before starting Veenat 400  as it can make hepatitis B active again.

Uses of Veenat 400

Cancer

Medicinal Benefits

Veenat 400  belongs to a class of drugs known as ‘anti-cancer medication’ containing Imatinib primarily used to treat various cancer types. It is used to treat cancer of the blood (chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. It works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for cancer cell proliferation and induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells in stopped or slowed down.

Directions for Use

Take the tablet of Veenat 400  with or without food or as directed by your physician. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Veenat 400

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Muscle cramp

Abdominal pain

Musculoskeletal pain

Oedema (tissue swelling)

Rash

Drug Warnings

Do not take Veenat 400  if you are allergic to Veenat 400  or any of its ingredients. Veenat 400  may cause blurry vision and dizziness, so do not drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration. While taking Veenat 400 , you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF. Veenat 400  can cause leg swelling and water retention (oedema), so if you have unexpected rapid weight gain, please consult your doctor. If you ever had a hepatitis B infection, please tell your doctor before starting Veenat 400  as it can make hepatitis B active again. Veenat 400  may make you more susceptible to infections, consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections, fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Imatinib  is known to interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), anti-hypertensive medicines (amlodipine, metoprolol, nifedipine), heart medicines (quinidine, atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), immuno-suppressants (cyclosporine),  antibiotics (erythromycin, telithromycin), anti-fungal medicines (itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole), mental illness medicines (triazolam, alprazolam, etizolam, primidone, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anti-HIV medicines (saquinavir,  ritonavir), erectile dysfunction medicine (sildenafil).

Drug-Food Interaction: Imatinib  is known to interact with alcohol, St. John’s wort plant (a natural remedy to treat depression), grapefruit.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Imatinib  is known to interact in patients with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cardiovascular disease, bone marrow suppression, liver or kidney disease, fluid retention, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcer or bleeding, high blood pressure, diabetes and chemotherapy.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Imatinib  as it may increase drowsiness and lead to unpleasant side effects.

PREGNANCY

Imatinib  is a pregnancy category D drug. It should not be used in pregnancy as it is known to cause fetal damage. Also, maintain a gap of 6 months between the last dose of Imatinib  and your next pregnancy.

BREAST FEEDING

Imatinib  is known to pass through breast milk, and it may cause harm to the baby. So, it is advised not to breastfeed while taking Imatinib .

DRIVING

Imatinib  may cause weakness, dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.

LIVER

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.

KIDNEY

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.

De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listen to soothing music.

Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate and high fiber content. Also, eat small and frequent meals for a speedy recovery.

Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Also, avoid high fat and cholesterol diet.

Special Advise

Regular blood test is required to monitor liver function and blood cells in blood while taking Imatinib .

Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.

Imatinib  can cause swelling and water retention, so if you have unexpected rapid weight gain, please consult your doctor.

While taking Imatinib , you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF.

Do not have immunizations with live vaccines (for mumps, rubella, measles and BCG, yellow fever and shingles or pox chicken) while you’re having treatment and for up to 12 months afterwards.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any infection signs, including a temperature above 37.5 C or below 36 C.

Other Information :  This item is Not Returnable.

Patients Concern

Cancer: It is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). There are more than 100 types of cancer, including blood cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy (by strong antibiotics), radiation and stem cell therapy. Till date, there is no cure for cancer.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: It is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older adults around 60-65 years of age.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia: A type of leukemia (blood cancer) that comes on quickly and is fast growing. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, there are too many lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) in the blood and bone marrow. Also called ALL.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): It is a type of tumor in the stomach or small intestine. The tumors develop into the specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs).

FAQs

Veenat 400  contains Imatinib, an anti-cancer medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the proliferation of cancer cells and hence induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells in stopped or slowed down.

While taking Imatinib , make sure you visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure that treatment is working. Regular monitoring of blood and urine tests, weight checks are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking Imatinib .

Yes, you might become more sensitive to sunlight while taking Imatinib , so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF.

In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is more if you are taking Imatinib . For the patients who are elderly, dose adjustment might be required or your doctor might prescribe any other medication safe for the elderly.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, please inform your doctor if you are taking Imatinib . As your doctor might stop Imatinib  before undergoing surgery.

Imatinib  can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.