Generic name: imatinib [ im-MA-ta-nib ]
Brand name: Gleevec
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 400 mg)
Drug class:BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors
What is imatinib?
Imatinib interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.
Imatinib is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer.
Imatinib is also used to treat certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system.
Warnings
Imatinib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Imatinib may increase the risk of liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Imatinib may increase the risk of fluid retention or heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, or fainting.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use imatinib if you are allergic to it.
To make sure imatinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
kidney disease;
underactive thyroid, recent or upcoming thyroid surgery;
heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;
