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Oncology medicines are among the most expensive and most counterfeited medicines in Pakistan. If you or a family member has been prescribed a targeted cancer medicine, this guide explains what each common medicine is used for, how to check that what you receive is genuine, and how to order safely online. It is general information prepared by the Medicine Online pharmacy team under the medical oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi and does not replace your oncologist's advice.

Common targeted cancer medicines and what they treat

• Glivec (imatinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), among other conditions. Available as 100 mg and 400 mg tablets.
• Tasigna (nilotinib) is used for Philadelphia-chromosome-positive CML, including when imatinib has not worked or was not tolerated. See 150 mg and 200 mg capsules.
• Kisqali (ribociclib) is a CDK4/6 inhibitor used with hormonal therapy for hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
• Jakavi (ruxolitinib) is a JAK inhibitor used for myelofibrosis, polycythaemia vera and graft-versus-host disease. See 5 mg and 15 mg.
• Femara (letrozole) is an aromatase inhibitor used in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after menopause.

Your oncologist decides the medicine, strength and duration. Never change or stop a cancer medicine without speaking to them.

Before you order: five checks

1. Have a valid prescription. These are prescription-only medicines. We ask for a copy of the prescription before dispatch.
2. Match the exact name and strength. Glivec 100 mg and 400 mg, or Tasigna 150 mg and 200 mg, are not interchangeable. Check the strength on the prescription against the product page.
3. Check the pack on delivery. Look for an intact seal, a printed batch number and expiry date, and an Urdu/English leaflet. Ask us for a photo of the batch and expiry before dispatch if you want to confirm in advance.
4. Be wary of very low prices. A price far below the market is the most common sign of a counterfeit or smuggled product.
5. Buy from a licensed pharmacy you can contact. You should be able to reach a pharmacist by phone or WhatsApp before and after delivery.

Storage and handling

Most oral targeted therapies are stored at room temperature (below 30 °C) in the original pack, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children. Carers who are pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets; ask your oncologist or pharmacist for guidance.

How ordering from Medicine Online works

• Place your order on the product page or contact us on WhatsApp with your prescription.
• A pharmacist checks the prescription and confirms stock, batch and expiry.
• Delivery usually takes 1–2 business days to major cities and 3–5 business days elsewhere. Delivery is free on orders above Rs 15,000.
• Cash on Delivery is available in Sindh; elsewhere in Pakistan, pay by bank transfer or card.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to buy cancer medicines online in Pakistan?

Yes, if you buy from a licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription, shows the batch and expiry, and can be contacted. Avoid sellers on social media who cannot show a licence.

Can I switch between brands of imatinib?

Only on your oncologist's advice. Different brands contain the same active ingredient, but your doctor should decide and monitor any switch.

What if a medicine arrives damaged or wrong?

Tell us within 48 hours with photos. We replace or refund damaged, expired, defective, wrong or missing items under our refund policy.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your oncologist's instructions.