Imatinib Mesylate

Imatinib (brand names Gleevec [oral tablet], Imkeldi [oral solution]) is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer . Imatinib is also used to treat certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system. Imatinib's mechanism of action involves targeting BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase and some other kinases, particularly ones responsible for uncontrolled cell growth. By preventing these enzymes from working properly, imatinib slows cancer growth and spread. Imatinib belongs to the drug class called BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Imatinib gained FDA approval on May 10, 2001, under the brand name Gleevec. A generic Gleevec is available known as imatinib mesylate. Imatinib is also available under the brand name Imkeldi which is an oral solution. There is no Imkeldi generic.

Imatinib (brand names Gleevec [oral tablet], Imkeldi [oral solution]) is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, and skin cancer . Imatinib is also used to treat certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system. Imatinib's mechanism of action involves targeting BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase and some other kinases, particularly ones responsible for uncontrolled cell growth. By preventing these enzymes from working properly, imatinib slows cancer growth and spread. Imatinib belongs to the drug class called BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Imatinib gained FDA approval on May 10, 2001, under the brand name Gleevec. A generic Gleevec is available known as imatinib mesylate. Imatinib is also available under the brand name Imkeldi which is an oral solution. There is no Imkeldi generic.

You should not use imatinib if you are allergic to it. To make sure imatinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease (especially hepatitis B); kidney disease; underactive thyroid , recent or upcoming thyroid surgery; heart disease, high blood pressure , congestive heart failure ; a stomach ulcer or bleeding; diabetes; or chemotherapy. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Do not use imatinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using imatinib and for at least 14 days after your last dose. Do not breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to imatinib ( hives , difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat , burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Call your doctor at once if you have: fluid retention - shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain; kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles; fluid build-up in the lungs - pain when you breathe, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus; liver problems - upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); low blood cell counts - fever, cold or flu symptoms, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, mouth sores, pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet; signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; signs of tumor cell breakdown - confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea , vomiting , fast or slow heart rate , decreased urination, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth; or thyroid symptoms - tiredness, dry skin , hair loss , constipation , depression , slow heart rate, weight gain, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures. Imatinib can affect growth in children and teenagers. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine. Common imatinib side effects may include: fluid retention; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea ; joint or muscle pain; skin rash; or feeling tired. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Imatinib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches). Imatinib may increase the risk of liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Imatinib may increase the risk of fluid retention or heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, or fainting.

Imatinib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches). Imatinib may increase the risk of liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Imatinib may increase the risk of fluid retention or heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have swelling or rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, or fainting.

400 mg (400 (400)) 24 hourly PO — 600 mg (600 (600)) 24 hourly PO — Scraped Dose — Take imatinib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can interact with imatinib, especially: an antibiotic , antifungal, or antiviral medicine; seizure medicine; a blood thinner such as warfarin ( Coumadin , Jantoven ); or a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron. This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect imatinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.