What is Gleevec: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Gleevec

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Take this medicine with food and a large glass of water.

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or crush, break, or chew it.

• If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may dissolve it in water or apple juice. After the tablet dissolves, stir the water or juice with a spoon and drink it immediately.100-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 50 milliliters (mL) or 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water or juice.400-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 200 milliliters (mL) or 7 ounces (about 1 cup) of water or juice.

• Do not handle crushed or broken tablets. Wash your skin with soap and water right away if you touch broken or crushed tablets.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may dissolve it in water or apple juice. After the tablet dissolves, stir the water or juice with a spoon and drink it immediately.100-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 50 milliliters (mL) or 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water or juice.400-milligram tablet: Dissolve it in 200 milliliters (mL) or 7 ounces (about 1 cup) of water or juice.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or crush, break, or chew it.

• Take this medicine with food and a large glass of water.

• Do not handle crushed or broken tablets. Wash your skin with soap and water right away if you touch broken or crushed tablets.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Gleevec

Gleevec contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to imatinib or if you are pregnant.

Gleevec warnings

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurry vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 14 days after your treatment ends.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have had your thyroid removed.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose.

• This medicine can cause the following problems:Heart problemsLiver problemsBleeding in your digestive system, which could be seriousTumor lysis syndromeSlow growth in children

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Gleevec interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how imatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Alfentanil, atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, erythromycin, fentanyl, fosphenytoin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, primidone, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, rifampicin, ritonavir, saquinavir, simvastatin, sirolimus, St John's wort, tacrolimus, telithromycin, warfarin, or voriconazoleBlood pressure medicineIron supplementsStatin medicines

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• This medicine can cause the following problems:Heart problemsLiver problemsBleeding in your digestive system, which could be seriousTumor lysis syndrome

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurry vision. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.