Imatinib is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer. Imatinib is also used to treat certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system.
Imatinib is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), or cannot be removed by surgery.
Imatinib may be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Imatinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Imatinib (Gleevec) used for?
- Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
- Systemic Mastocytosis
- Polycythemia Vera
- Myeloproliferative Disorder
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Thrombocythemia
- Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
- Myelodysplastic Disease
- Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia
- Myelofibrosis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Imatinib (Gleevec)?
You should not use imatinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- underactive thyroid, recent or upcoming thyroid surgery;
- swelling, fluid retention;
- heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;
- stomach ulcers or bleeding;
- diabetes;
- chemotherapy; or
- liver or kidney disease.
You will need to take a pregnancy test before, during, and after treatment with imatinib.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using imatinib and for at least 14 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Imatinib (Gleevec)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Imatinib (Gleevec)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath;
- fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats;
- heart problems--rhythm disorders, swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
- liver problems--upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- low blood cell counts--fever, cold or flu symptoms, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, mouth sores, pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet;
- unusual bleeding--nosebleeds, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop;
- stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth; or
- thyroid symptoms--tiredness, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression, slow heart rate, weight gain, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures.
Imatinib can affect growth in children and teenagers. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
Common side effects may include:
- fluid retention;
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- joint or muscle pain;
- skin rash; or
- feeling tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Imatinib (Gleevec) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You will need to take a pregnancy test before, during, and after treatment with imatinib.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using imatinib and for at least 14 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Imatinib (Gleevec)?
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Grapefruit may interact with imatinib and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Imatinib (Gleevec)?
Use Imatinib (Gleevec) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine and wear protective gloves before using this medicine.
Take imatinib with a meal and a large glass of water. Do not take imatinib on an empty stomach.
If you are unable to swallow the medicine, read and carefully follow the instructions provided to you on how to prepare and use imatinib. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Do not use a broken tablet. If the medicine gets in your mouth, eyes, or nose, or on your skin, wash with soap and water (or rinse eyes with water). Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose this medicine.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Read and carefully follow the instructions provided to you on how to prepare and use the liquid medicine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Your blood will need to be tested often and your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.
You will also need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Throw the liquid medicine away after 30 days of first opening the bottle, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Imatinib (Gleevec)?
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