Imatinib: how to take it safely
Glivec, Imatinib
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and some stomach and gut tumours (GIST).
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with a large glass of water, with a meal. Do not crush or chew.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time.
Take it with
With a meal and a large glass of water.
What to avoid
- Stopping or missing doses without your doctor's advice.
- Grapefruit juice and St John's wort.
- Paracetamol in large doses, as it can affect the liver.
- Pregnancy.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Swelling around the eyes and legs, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, diarrhoea, rash.
Get help if
Sudden weight gain, breathlessness, yellow skin or eyes, severe rash or unusual bleeding: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.