In this Article

• What is imatinib (Gleevec)?
• What are the possible side effects of imatinib (Gleevec)?
• What is the most important information I should know about imatinib (Gleevec)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking imatinib (Gleevec)?
• How should I take imatinib (Gleevec)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Gleevec)?
• What happens if I overdose (Gleevec)?
• What should I avoid while taking imatinib (Gleevec)?
• What other drugs will affect imatinib (Gleevec)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Gleevec)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, making sure you also eat a meal and drink a large glass of water. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next meal. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Gleevec)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause severe muscle cramps.

What should I avoid while taking imatinib (Gleevec)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect imatinib (Gleevec)?

Many drugs can interact with or be affected by imatinib. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• bosentan (Tracleer);
• conivaptan (Vaprisol);
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• dexamethasone (Cortastat, Dexasone, Solurex, DexPak);
• fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora);
• isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
• nefazodone;
• pimozide (Orap);
• sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf);
• St. John's wort;
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl);
• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate), rifapentine (Priftin), or telithromycin (Ketex);
• antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or miconazole (Oravig);
• a barbiturate such as butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• cholesterol-lowering medicines such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
• heart or blood pressure medicine such as amlodipine (Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta, Amturnide), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
• a heart rhythm medication such as disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), or quinidine (Quin-G);
• HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva, Atripla), etravirine (Intelence), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra);
• medicines to treat narcolepsy, such as armodafinil (Nuvigil) or modafinil (Progivil); or
• seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), divalproex (Depakote), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with imatinib. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about imatinib.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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