imatinib

What is the most important information I should know about imatinib?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is imatinib?

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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking imatinib?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
• kidney disease;
• underactive thyroid, recent or upcoming thyroid surgery;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;
• a stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• diabetes; or
• chemotherapy.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

How should I take imatinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may dissolve it in a glass of water or apple juice to make the pill easier to swallow. Use about 2 ounces of liquid for each 100-milligram tablet, or 7 ounces of liquid for each 400-milligram tablet. Stir the mixture and drink all of it right away.

Imatinib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

You will also need frequent tests to check your liver function.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your dose as soon as you can, making sure you also eat a meal and drink a large glass of water. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking imatinib?

Grapefruit may interact with imatinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of 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 to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of imatinib?

• fluid retention --shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles;
• fluid build-up in the lungs --pain when you breathe, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus;
• 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;
• signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• signs of tumor cell breakdown --confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, decreased urination, 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.

What other drugs will affect imatinib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect imatinib, especially:

• an antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine;
• seizure medicine;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect imatinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about imatinib.