Altanib Nova Tablet
Altanib Nova Tablet should be taken with food, but better to have it same time every day to get the most benefit. You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Altanib Nova Tablet
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Altanib Nova Tablet belongs to the class of medicines known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia and Acute lymphocytic leukemia) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
Altanib Nova Tablet should be taken with food, but better to have it same time every day to get the most benefit. You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Let your doctor know if you experience unexpected rapid weight gain. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood cells and liver function while you are taking this medicine. Do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus if you experience dizziness and blurry vision.
Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
03Uses
Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour
04How To Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Altanib Nova Tablet is to be taken with food.
05How It Works
Altanib Nova Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. A protein enzyme, bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, responsible for the growth of abnormal proliferation of cancer cells. This medicine inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis (planned cell death) in bcr-abl positive cells (cancer cells). This is how it works to stop or slow the spread of cancer.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Altanib Nova Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Altanib Nova Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Altanib Nova Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Gastrointestinal stromal tumour
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. The tumors develop into the specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Altanib Nova Tablet helps to kill the cancer cells and also stops their further growth and spread. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.show moreshow less
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Rash
Diarrhea
Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
Muscle cramp
Vomiting
Nausea
Edema (swelling)
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Altanib Nova Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Altanib Nova Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Altanib Nova Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.Lactating women should not breastfeed while using this drug and one month after stopping it.
Driving:UNSAFE
Altanib Nova Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney:CAUTION
Altanib Nova Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Altanib Nova Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:CAUTION
Altanib Nova Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Altanib Nova Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.
It may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Water retention and swelling are very common side effects of Altanib Nova Tablet. Notify your doctor if you have unexpected rapid weight gain.
Do not change the dose or discontinue use without consulting your doctor.
Notify your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over the counter medicines and dietary supplements.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the number of blood cells in your blood.
References
Sources and references
Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1732-34.
Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 953.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 692-94.
Imatinib mesylate. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2001 . view
Drugs and Lactation Database. Bethesda : National Library of Medicine ; 2006. Imatinib. . view
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation . view
