Imatinib Mesylate
(Generic Name) Other Names: Gleevec™
About this drug
Imatinib mesylate is used to treat cancer. It is given orally.
Possible side effects
- bone marrow depression. This is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It may increase your risk for infection, fatigue, and bleeding.
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- puffiness around the eyes
- diarrhea
- swelling of ankles and feet
- weight gain
- muscle cramps
- changes in liver enzymes. Blood tests will be done as needed to check your liver enzymes.
- effects on an unborn child. This drug may have harmful effects on an unborn child.
- Effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment. Genetic counseling is available for you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. If it turns out that you are pregnant or become pregnant, talk with a genetic counselor. He or she can review the potential risks to the fetus.
Treating side effects
- Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine that is available to help you prevent or lessen nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
- Do not put anything on your rash unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.
- Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.
Food and drug interactions
Take this drug with food and a large glass of water to avoid upset stomach. There are no known interactions of imatinib mesylate with food. Do not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while taking this drug. This drug may interact with other medication.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medicines and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor’s advice.
When to call the doctor
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- temperature of 100.5 F (38 C) or above
- chills
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
- vomiting more than 3 times in one day
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- nausea that does not get better with prescribed medicine
- weight gain of 5 or more pounds in one week
- swelling in your ankles or feet
- puffiness around the eyes
- yellowing of your skin or eyes
- diarrhea of 5 or 6 stools in one day or diarrhea with weakness
- rash or itching
- headache not relieved by prescribed medicine