IMATINIB IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA: PATIENT-REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Imatinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate side effects of Imatinib by patients of chronic myeloid leukemia and their influence on quality of life.

Study Design: Descriptive & analytic study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at department of oncology CMH Rawalpindi, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out at department of oncology CMH Rawalpindi from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015. Patients who had been using Imatinib orally for at least 6 months participated in the study. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was developed to record adverse effects. This questionnaire included demographic details and quality of life issues like effects on their mood, daily life activities, work, walking and relationships.

Results: Ninety two patients participated in the study. Mean age of the participants was 42.05 years (range 22 to 68 years), 52% were males. Among the study population eighty-seven percent had suffered from at least one adverse reaction. The most commonly complained adverse events were muscle cramps (67 out of 92, 72.8%); fatigue (58 out of 92 63.04%), gastro intestinal upset (44 out of 92 47.82%) and skin rashes (30 out of 92 32.60%).  More than half of the patients felt that the adverse effect had a negative influence on their daily quality of life.

Conclusion: Adverse drug effects were common among CML patients receiving Imatinib therapy. These adverse drug reactions had negative impact on patients’ daily life.