For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Gleevec
Generic Name: Imatinib
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Take the medicine with a meal and some liquid.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.
If you forget a dose, just wait. Use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 month after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
If you have had a heart attack within the past 6 months, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- muscle pain or cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- red, burning, or itchy skin
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- blurring or changes of vision
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- back pain
- bleeding or bruising
- chest or jaw pain
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fever or chills
- severe or persistent headache
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- muscle weakness
- shortness of breath
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- urinating less often
- blood in urine
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about IMATINIB - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
