Imatinib

About imatinib

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic drugs; it is an anti-cancer medicine.

Imatinib is used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia. Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. These white blood cells usually help the body to fight infection. Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a form of leukaemia in which the development of white blood cells goes wrong.

Imatinib works by preventing the growth and division of the incorrect white cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Imatinib is also used to treat gastro-intestinal stromal tumour, a rare cancer of the stomach.

Imatinib is available in tablet form in 100mg and 400mg strengths.

It is also sometimes known as: Glivec. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking imatinib

Before taking imatinib make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant or breast feeding
• if you are male or female and trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from liver or heart problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines such as St. John’s Wort

How to take imatinib

• Take imatinib exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with imatinib.
• Swallow imatinib whole, not crushed or chewed with a large glass of water, with or immediately after food- this will help protect your stomach.
• If you are unable to swallow the tablets, you can dissolve them in a glass of mineral water or apple juice. Put the required number of tablets in a sufficient quantity of liquid (approximately 50 ml for a 100 mg tablet and 200 ml for a 400 mg tablet). Stir with a spoon until the tablets have dissolved completely. Immediately drink the whole content of the glass. Traces of the dissolved tablet(s) may be left behind in the glass.
• It is important to keep taking imatinib at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, do not take another dose until your next one is due. If in doubt check with your doctor.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of imatinib contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside imatinib.
• Avoid taking paracetamol or preparations containing paracetamol such as cold and flu remedies. If you feel you need to take paracetamol, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking imatinib. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor and for blood tests so that your progress can be monitored.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking imatinib.
• Imatinib may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if not fully alert.
• Imatinib may occasionaly cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Imatinib may cause you to sweat more than you usually do. Take care not to become overheated in hot weather or during exercise.
• Imatinib may cause you to feel the cold more than you would usually. Ensure you wrap up warm and wear plenty of clothing during the cold weather.
• Imatinib may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.
• Imatinib may cause your body to keep hold of more fluid that normal. You should have regular weight checks to keep an eye on this.
• While you are taking imatinib, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. imatinib lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.

Can imatinib cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Headache, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, tummy pain, puffiness around the eyes and face, skin rash, muscle and joint pain, fluid retention, weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite, dizziness, blurred vision, disturbance in taste, pins and needles, problems sleeping, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), watery eyes, nose bleeds, mouth ulcers, hair loss, excessive wind, constipation, itching, being aware of your heart beat, dry skin, night sweats, high temperature, feeling cold or weight gain.

Important: Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unexpected bleeding, bruising or rashes.

Important: imatinib can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection, sore throat, fever (high temperature) or general aching in your muscles and joints.

Important: imatinib can sometimes cause liver problems. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms.

Important: Consult your doctor immediately if you experience skin rashes, the need to drink more than usual, black tarry stools, pain or difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of the lips or tongue.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store imatinib

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Store tablets in their original container in order to protect them from moisture.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 01/02/2006