Gleevec (imatinib) is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby, women of childbearing age should not become pregnant during treatment. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amiodarone (Cordarone®), cimetidine, Coumadin®, cyclosporine (Neoral®), dexamethasone (Decadron®), disopyramide (Norpace®), dronabinol (Marinol®), fentanyl, metronidazole (Flagyl®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), ondansetron (Zofran®), phenobarbital, quinidine (Quinaglute®, Quinadex®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), rifampin (Rifamate®, Rifater®), St. John's Wort, tacrolimus (Prograf®), zafirlukast (Accolate®), zileuton (Zyflo®), antibiotics (such as erythromycin, Biaxin®), birth control pills, heart or blood pressure medicine (such as Cardizem®, Tiazac®, Norvasc®, Plendil®, verapamil), cancer medicine (chemotherapy), medicine to treat fungal infections (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, Sporanox®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Zocor®), seizure medicine (such as Dilantin®, Tegretol®), sedatives (such as alprazolam, Versed®, Xanax®), medicine for depression (such as Celexa®, Luvox®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®), medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Crixivan®, Norvir®, Sustiva®), or a steroid (such as cortisone, prednisone, Azmacort®, Flonase®, Flovent®, Nasonex®, Vancenase®). |
How much medicine you are given and how often it is given depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Gleevec (imatinib) you are being given, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Gleevec (imatinib) and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Your first dose of Gleevec (imatinib) will be given by a health care provider. Take Gleevec (imatinib) with food and a large glass of water to limit stomach irritation. Women of childbearing potential must avoid becoming pregnant while using Gleevec (imatinib). Gleevec (imatinib) may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using Gleevec (imatinib). Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of Gleevec (imatinib). If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and contact your health care provider.
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