Imatinib (By mouth)
i-ma-TIN-ib
Treats leukemia and other kinds of cancer and related diseases.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Imatinib is used alone or together with other medicines to treat different types of cancer or bone marrow conditions. It prevents or stops the growth of cancer cells and is called an antineoplastic (cancer) agent. Imatinib is used for these conditions:
Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM)
Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Myeloproliferative diseases (MPD)
Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML)
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine with food and a large glass of water.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or crush, break, or chew it.
If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may dissolve it in water or apple juice. After the tablet dissolves, stir the water or juice with a spoon and drink it immediately.
100-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 50 milliliters or 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water or juice. 400-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 200 milliliters or 7 ounces (about 1 cup) of water or juice.Do not handle crushed or broken tablets. Wash your skin with soap and water right away if you touch broken or crushed tablets.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how dasatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Alfentanil, atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, erythromycin, fentanyl, fosphenytoin, ketoconazole, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, pimozide, primidone, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, rifampicin, ritonavir, saquinavir, simvastatin, sirolimus, St John’s wort, tacrolimus, telithromycin, warfarin, or voriconazole Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to imatinib or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have had your thyroid removed.
This medicine can cause the following problems:
Heart problems Liver problems Bleeding in your digestive system, which could be serious Tumor lysis syndromeYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurry vision. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Rapid weight, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or bloody or black, tarry stools
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Mild skin rash or itching
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Gleevec
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
