Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: IMATINIB (i-MA-tin-ib)
This medicine is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for treating certain types of leukemia (eg, chronic myeloid leukemia, Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia [CML]) and bone marrow diseases, certain types of skin cancer, and certain intestinal tumors (eg, gastrointestinal stromal tumors [GIST]). It may also be used to prevent cancer from growing in patients after surgical removal of GIST. It is also used to treat mastocytosis (a build up of large amounts of mast cells in certain parts of the body). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you take warfarin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), ketolide antibiotics (eg, telithromycin), macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, dexamethasone, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), rifampin, St. John's wort, acetaminophen, alfentanil, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), calcium channel blockers (eg, nifedipine), cyclosporine, ergot derivatives (eg, ergotamine), fentanyl, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin), pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or levothyroxine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver or kidney problems, heart problems, lung problems, thyroid gland removal, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, low blood platelets, other cancers, a history of swelling (edema) or fluid retention, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are receiving chemotherapy or are or will be taking an iron supplement. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth with a meal and a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SWALLOWING TABLETS WHOLE, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may dissolve your dose in a glass of water or apple juice. The amount of liquid will vary depending on your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Stir the mixture well and drink immediately. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. DO NOT EAT GRAPEFRUIT or drink grapefruit juice while you use this medicine. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU TAKE THIS MEDICINE before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. DO NOT RECEIVE a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine. CHECK YOUR WEIGHT EVERY MORNING and keep a log. Report any 3 to 5 pound weight gain to your doctor. IF VOMITING OR DIARRHEA OCCURS, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF YOU MAY BECOME PREGNANT, you must use an effective form of birth control while you take this medicine. If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially swelling and fluid retention. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM to the fetus. DO NOT BECOME PREGNANT while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; bone pain; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; hair loss; headache; increased tear production; loss of appetite; muscle cramps; muscle or joint pain; nausea; night sweats; nose and throat irritation; stomach pain or upset; taste changes; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black or bloody stools; bone pain; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; chills, fever, or sore throat; confusion; dark urine; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; mouth pain, sores, or swelling; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent headache; severe stomach pain; severe tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or around the eyes; trouble swallowing or talking; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea; fever; headache; loss of appetite; stomach pain; swelling; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomiting.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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