Imatinib

Also Known As: Imatinib mesylate, Gleevec™, Glivec, STI-571

Imatinib causes certain cancer cells to die by blocking a protein they need to grow and reproduce.

How It Is Given:

Orally (by mouth)

Immediate Side Effects (beginning within 24 hours):

These are common immediate side effects.

• An allergic reaction such as hives, itching, swelling in the face or hands, or difficulty breathing.
• A skin rash can develop.
• Nausea and vomiting can occur.

Early Side Effects (beginning within the first week):

• Swelling of the face, around the eyes, the hands, feet and possibly throughout the rest of the body is common.
• Fatigue due to a low red blood cell count (anemia) can develop.
• It is common for headaches to occur.
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common.
• Indigestion is common.
• Diarrhea is common.
• Muscle cramps are common.
• Bleeding, because of a low platelet count is possible but uncommon.

Late Side Effects (beginning after one week):

• It is common to develop a decrease in blood cell counts (white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells), which can cause an increased risk for infection, bleeding, and fatigue.
• You may have muscle cramps.
• Weight gain and swelling are common.
• Indigestion commonly occurs.
• Thinning or loss of hair is less common.
• Abnormalities in liver function tests are less common.
• Shortness of breath may develop although it is uncommon.
• You may develop a less common skin rash, with itching and peeling or flaking.

Special Points:

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication, as it interferes with the drug's action and may increase the severity of side effects.
• Imatinib interacts with many other drugs, particularly with warfarin (Coumadin®), a blood thinner. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter preparations that do not require a prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins, or dietary supplements. Some of these may interfere with imatinib.
• Inform your doctor and nurse if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin®, Advil®), products containing them, or similar products as listed on the Common Medicines Containing Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs fact card unless your doctor prescribes them.
• Store imatinib at room temperature away from sunlight and excessive heat and moisture.
• Take this medicine with food and a large glass of water to decrease abdominal upset.
• If you are sexually active, use a contraceptive during your treatment. If you get pregnant while taking imatinib, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
• Do not breast feed while taking this drug.

Call Your Doctor or Nurse If You:

• Have a fever of 100.5° F (38° C) or higher.
• Have black bowel movements, bruising, a faint red rash, or any other signs of bleeding.
• Have a decreased amount of urine or decreased frequency of urination.
• Have a sudden weight gain or swelling in your hands and feet.
• Develop yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• Have any unexpected, unexplained problems.
• Have any questions or concerns.