Gleevec (Imatinib)

Do's

• Take Gleevec by mouth with a full meal and a full glass of water (8 oz/240 ml), as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily. 
• Dissolve the tablets in water or apple juice if swallowing whole is difficult, following your healthcare provider's instructions for mixing and consumption.  
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal medicines. 

Don'ts

• Don't crush Gleevec tablets. 
• Do not increase your dose or use Gleevec more often or longer than prescribed, as this will not improve your condition faster but could increase side effects. 
• Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Gleevec, as it can increase side effects. 
• Don’t handle Gleevec tablets or breathe the dust from them if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as the medication can harm an unborn baby. 

The dosage of Gleevec depends on your medical condition, treatment response, and other medications. Children's dosage is also based on body size.  

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Belly pain
• Fatigue (lack of energy)
• Edema (swelling, typically in your legs, ankles, or feet and around your eyes)
• Muscle cramps or pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash

Serious Side Effects

• Easy bruising/bleeding
• Unusual tiredness
• Sudden/unexplained weight gain
• Swelling hands/ankles/feet/abdomen
• Swelling around the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Black/bloody stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Gleevec,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to Gleevec or other medications.

Share your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Bleeding problems
• Heart problems (heart failure)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Removed thyroid gland

Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring clear vision until you know how the medication affects you. Limit alcohol and marijuana use.

Gleevec may increase your susceptibility to infections. Avoid contact with individuals with contagious illnesses and inform your healthcare provider if you encounter an infection.

Discuss vaccinations with your healthcare provider before receiving them while taking Gleevec.

Exercise caution with sharp objects and avoid contact sports to minimize the risk of cuts and bruises.

Disclose your Gleevec use before any surgery or dental procedures.

Regular checkups are crucial to monitor your child's growth and development while taking Gleevec.

Older adults might experience more side effects, particularly swelling (edema).

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle Gleevec or inhale tablet dust due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Gleevec or for one month after the last dose due to potential risks to the infant.