Imatinib tablets

About imatinib

Imatinib is a medicine which is given to treat some cancers and certain blood diseases. It is given in particular to treat leukaemia, which is cancer of the cells in the bone marrow. These are the cells which develop into blood cells.

Imatinib is also used in some myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD). These are a group of blood diseases in which certain blood cells grow out of control in an abnormal way. Imatinib is also used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) which is a cancer of the stomach and bowels, and also dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) which is a type of skin cancer.

In all these diseases, certain cells in the body grow and multiply too fast. Chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines like imatinib work by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells.

Before taking imatinib

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking imatinib it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have ever had hepatitis B infection.

• If you have an infection or feel unwell.

• If you have a heart condition.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take imatinib

• Before you start the treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the printed manufacturer's leaflet from inside the pack of tablets. These will give you more information about imatinib and will provide a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Imatinib will be prescribed for you by a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating your condition. The doctor will calculate what dose is right for you and will tell you how many tablets to take each day and at what times to take them - it is important that you take imatinib exactly as you are told to. There are three strengths of imatinib tablet - 100 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg. Your dose may be a combination of strengths of tablet. The directions for taking the tablets will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you, but if you are still unsure about what to do, or if you have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor or hospital clinic for advice.

• Take your doses at a mealtime, or just afterwards. This will help to protect your stomach from any problems.

• For each of your doses, swallow the tablets with a large drink of water. Alternatively if you prefer, you can dissolve the tablets in a glassful of water or apple juice. If you do this, make sure that the tablets have dissolved completely and that you drink all of the liquid.

• Try to take imatinib at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose). Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have regular check-ups during treatment and you will also be weighed regularly. This is because imatinib may cause your body to keep hold of more fluid than normal.

• Imatinib lowers the number of white cells in your blood and this increases the chance that you may get an infection. You should take precautions to reduce the risk of infection whenever you can. So, if possible, avoid other people with infections and let your doctor know straightaway if you think you are getting a sore throat or if you have a high temperature.

• It is important that you do not get pregnant or father a child while you are taking imatinib. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

• Imatinib can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Do not use sunbeds and avoid strong sunlight. Use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF of at least 15).

• While you are taking imatinib, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking with your doctor first. Imatinib lowers your body's resistance so there is a chance that you may get an infection from some vaccines.

• If you buy or take any other medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside imatinib. Some painkillers such as paracetamol (or preparations containing paracetamol such as cold and flu remedies) and other 'over-the-counter' medicines, such as St John's wort, can interfere with the way imatinib works.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can imatinib cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Before you start treatment with imatinib your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects occurring. The table below contains some of the most common ones. You will find a full list of side-effects in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your tablets.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store imatinib

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Please return any unused or unwanted tablets to your clinic or pharmacy to destroy.
  

Important information about all medicines