Imatinib tablets

What is this medicine?

IMATINIB (i MAT in ib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat certain leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other cancers. It is also used to treat specific digestive tract tumors called GISTs.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it with food to decrease the chance of it upsetting your stomach. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, let your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional know. They can help you with advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, nosebleeds

• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• dark urine

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• light-colored stools

• loss of appetite

• mouth sores

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• right upper belly pain

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• vomiting

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased appetite

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• heartburn

• joint pain

• muscle cramps or pain

• nausea

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• bosentan

• cisapride

• clarithromycin

• cyclosporine

• dexamethasone

• diltiazem

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• erythromycin

• grapefruit or grapefruit juice

• medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin lovastatin, simvastatin

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine

• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• medicines for sleep

• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• pimozide

• rifabutin

• rifampin

• sildenafil

• sirolimus

• St. John's wort

• tacrolimus

• vaccines

• verapamil

• warfarin

Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

• acetaminophen

• aspirin

• ibuprofen

• ketoprofen

• naproxen

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose and skip your missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store tablets at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding problems

• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

• heart disease

• heart failure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• stomach problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to imatinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. Report any new symptoms promptly.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 14 days after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it.