What is Gleevec/Imatinib used for?

This medicine is used to treat advanced leukemia after failure of other medicines. It is also used to treat patients with certain intestinal tumors that cannot be removed by operation.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Gleevec/Imatinib be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (between 59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in a tight container.

General drug information:

When should Gleevec/Imatinib not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or if you are breast feeding.

What precautions should I follow when taking Gleevec/Imatinib?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have liver problems if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Gleevec/Imatinib?

This medicine 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®).

What are the side effects of Gleevec/Imatinib?

Most severe:  Difficulty breathing; sudden weight gain; bleeding; pneumonia; unusual tiredness; allergic reaction (rash; giant hives; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing).

Most common:  Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; swelling; muscle cramps; muscle pain; rash; headache; fatigue; joint pain; indigestion; weight gain; fever; stomach pain; cough; loss of appetite; constipation; nose and throat irritation; night sweats; itching; nosebleed; small red spots under the skin; weakness; dizziness; sleeplessness; sore throat; rigors; increased tearing; upper respiratory tract infection.

Other:  Flu-like symptoms; taste changes.

How should I take Gleevec/Imatinib?

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 the medicine you are being given, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Your first dose of this medicine will be given by a health care provider. Take this medicine with food and a large glass of water to limit stomach irritation. Women of childbearing potential must avoid becoming pregnant while using this medicine. This medicine 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 this medicine. 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 this medicine. 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.