Drugs & Vitamins

Imatinib Active Ingredients: Imatinib Representative Names: Gleevec Available Product Images: What are imatinib tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with imatinib? What side effects may I notice from receiving imatinib? What should I watch for while taking imatinib? Where can I keep my medicine? What are imatinib tablets? (Back to top) IMATINIB (Gleevec®) targets specific proteins within distinct cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. Imatinib is used to treat cancers including certain leukemias, specific sarcomas called GISTs, and other cancers. Generic imatinib tablets are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding problems •dental disease •infection (especially cold sores or shingles) •heart disease (such as heart failure) •jaundice •kidney disease •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to imatinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Imatinib is taken by mouth. You should take imatinib with food and a full glass of water to decrease the chance of it upsetting your stomach. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that one, and skip your missed dose. Do not take extra or double doses. What drug(s) may interact with imatinib? (Back to top) •acetaminophen •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 Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving imatinib? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •low blood counts - imatinib 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 - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness •difficulty breathing •swelling around the eyes or in your legs •sores or white patches in your mouth or throat •sudden weight gain •yellowing of skin or eyes, dark colored urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •anxiety •bone or muscle pain •constipation •decreased appetite •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •fatigue •headache •heartburn •muscle cramps •nausea/vomiting •night sweats •skin rash, itching •stomach discomfort •weakness What should I watch for while taking imatinib? (Back to top) Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. These tests are for measuring your blood counts and checking your liver function. 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. Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine. Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever. 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. Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label. Last Updated:11/30/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.