Gleevec

Imatinib tablet What kind of medication is this? IMATINIB is able to inhibit the development of some types of cancer cells. Imatinib is a medication that is prescribed to patients suffering from certain forms of leukemia (a kind of blood cancer), problems of the bone marrow, skin cancer, and some malignancies of the stomach and digestive system. Imatinib may also be used for uses that are not included in this guide to the medication's side effects and precautions. Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have? If you have ever had an allergic reaction to imatinib, you should avoid using it. Telling your doctor if you have any of the following conditions will allow them to determine whether or not Imatinib is safe for you to take: liver disease; kidney disease; underactive thyroid; recent or upcoming surgery on the thyroid; heart disease; congestive heart failure; history of stomach ulcer or bleeding; or if you are receiving chemotherapy. FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Imatinib if you are pregnant. It is possible that the unborn child will be harmed. Always use a reliable method of birth control and inform your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant while undergoing therapy. What is the correct way to take this medication? Imatinib should be taken in the manner directed by your physician. Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water. If you are having difficulty swallowing the Imatinib pill, you might try dissolving it with water or apple juice. Imatinib must be consumed in conjunction with a meal. Take Imatinib only when you have food in your stomach. Imatinib can reduce the number of blood cells that assist your body in warding off infections and in clotting your blood. There will likely be frequent tests done on your blood. The outcomes of these tests might cause a delay in the administration of cancer therapy to the patient. Imatinib should be kept at room temperature and kept free from heat and moisture. What other substances could react with this medication? Imatinib can interact with a wide variety of medications. This does not include all of the conceivable combinations of factors. During your treatment with Imatinib, be sure to keep your doctor informed about any and all drugs you are currently taking, as well as any that you begin or stop taking. acetaminophen (Tylenol); aprepitant; bosentan; cimetidine; cyclosporine; haloperidol; St. John's wort; an antibiotic such as clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, metronidazole; an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazo This list is not exhaustive; imatinib may also interact negatively with a wide variety of other medications. This include both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in addition to herbal and vitamin supplements. Provide any healthcare practitioner who is treating you with a list of all the medications you are currently taking. What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication? Steer clear of ill persons and anyone who could be carrying diseases. If you see any symptoms of infection, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. Steer clear of any actions that can raise your chances of getting cut or bleeding out. While shaving or cleaning your teeth, take additional precautions to avoid cutting yourself and bleeding. Imatinib is capable of penetrating the body's fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). After receiving a dosage of medication, you should refrain from letting any of your bodily fluids come into touch with your hands or any other surfaces for at least 48 hours. Rubber gloves should be used by patients as well as caregivers whenever bodily fluids are being cleaned up, contaminated garbage or laundry is being handled, or diapers are being changed. It is important to wash your hands both before and after removing the gloves. Separately launder dirty articles of clothes and linens from the rest of the laundry. A woman who is pregnant or who has a higher risk of becoming pregnant should avoid coming into contact with any body fluids. Always use a condom when engaging in sexual activity to prevent unwanted contact with bodily fluids. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice have the potential to interact with the medication imatinib, which might result in adverse consequences. When you are on this medication, you should stay away from anything that contains grapefruit. What potential negative reactions may I have from using this medication? If you notice any of the following symptoms of an allergic response to Imatinib, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or throat; an allergic reaction. If you have the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible: high fever, chills, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms; easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion); nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin irregular heartbeats (rapid or slow), a pulse that is too weak, disorientation, and fainting; or a severe skin response, which includes fever, a sore throat, swelling in the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, and skin discomfort, followed by a rash that is red or purple, spreads (particularly in the face or upper body), and causes blistering and peeling of the skin. Imatinib may cause a variety of adverse effects, the most common of which are moderate nausea or stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the joints or muscles, headache, and feeling sleepy.