Gleevec (Imatinib Mesylate) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Leukemia facts

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
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Gleevec User Reviews >>

Gleevec

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Gleevec Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

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. If it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take the medicine when you eat your next meal. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Gleevec)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include severe muscle cramps.

What should I avoid while taking imatinib (Gleevec)?

Do not take imatinib on an empty stomach.

What other drugs will affect imatinib (Gleevec)?

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

cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol);
fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Ionsys);
sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf);
St. John's wort;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
an antibiotic such as azithromycin (Zithromax), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin), metronidazole (Flagyl), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);
an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft);
a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), or atorvastatin (Lipitor);
ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
HIV medication such as nevirapine (Viramune), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), or nelfinavir (Viracept);
sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) or triazolam (Halcion); or
seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact imatinib. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using 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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