What is Imatinib used for?
Imatinib is a cancer drug used to treat some types of cancer including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. It may be used to treat other conditions such as myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases, hypereosinophilic syndrome and aggressive systemic mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). It works to slow or even stop the growth of cancer cells in the body. If you are unsure why you are taking Imatinib, call your doctor to learn why you are taking it and how it is meant to benefit you.
Imatinib Information
How to Use Imatinib?
Take imatinib orally with an 8 oz glass of water and a meal as directed by your doctor, generally once or twice per day. Don’t crush these tablets. If you have issues swallowing the tabs whole, dissolve them completely in a glass of apple juice or water. Stir until the tablet is dissolved and drink right away.
The dose you’re prescribed depends on your condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you might be taking. Ensure you give a list of your medications to your doctor and pharmacist (including non prescription drugs and herbal products) so that they can monitor for interactions.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while on Gleevec as it can increase the chances of side effects. Do not adjust how you use this medication without consulting your doctor first. If you take imatinib more often than prescribed your condition won’t improve faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle imatinib as it can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and could harm a fetus.
Imatinib Drug Interactions
Though some medications shouldn’t be used together at all, in other cases even though an interaction may occur your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage so that you can safely use both medications. When you take Gleevec ensure your doctor knows about all medications you’re taking including those listed below. This is not an exhaustive list of drug interactions, your doctor or pharmacist has more information about the different interactions that can occur.
Using imatinib in combination with any of the following drugs is not recommended. Your doctor might decide not to treat you with Gleevec or will change some of the other medications you take.
Taking imatinib with the following medications is generally not advised but can be required in special cases. If both drugs are prescribed at the same time your doctor will make adjustments so that you can safely take both medications.
Combining imatinib with the following medications can cause an increased risk of some side effects but using a combination of these medications might be the best treatment for your condition. Your doctor will make the necessary adjustments to make sure you can safely take both products.