Imatinib Information

Imatinib, a prescription drug, is manufactured in various forms such as Tablet. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia are some of its major therapeutic uses. Other than this, Imatinib has some other therapeutic uses, which have been discussed ahead.

Medical history of the patient along with age and gender determines the dosage of Imatinib. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.

Apart from the aforementioned side effects, Imatinib can also lead to other problems, which have been listed below. These side effects of Imatinib are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or stay for a longer duration.

Furthermore, you should know that effect of Imatinib is Severe for pregnant women and Moderate for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to know if Imatinib has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Imatinib related warnings section.

The section on Imatinib contraindications lists all such conditions.

Besides this, Imatinib may also have severe interaction with some medicines. See below for a complete list.

In addition to these precautions, you may also note that Imatinib is not safe while driving, and is is not addictive in nature.

Imatinib Benefits & Uses
Imatinib Dosage & How to Take
Imatinib Side Effects
Imatinib Related Warnings
Severe Interaction of Imatinib with Other Drugs
Imatinib Contraindications
Frequently asked Questions about Imatinib
Imatinib Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Imatinib Benefits & Uses

Imatinib is used to treat the following -

Other Benefits

Blood Cancer

Imatinib Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Before or After Meal: With meal Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor

Imatinib Related Warnings

Is the use of Imatinib safe for pregnant women?

Imatinib has many dangerous side effects in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, do not consume Imatinib without medical advice.

Severe
Is the use of Imatinib safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding can experience some moderate side effects of Imatinib. Immediately discontinue Imatinib if you observe any side effects. Contact your doctor, and restart using it only if your doctor considers it safe for you.

Moderate
What is the effect of Imatinib on the Kidneys?

Imatinib can have moderate side effects on the kidney. If you notice any harmful effects, stop taking this drug right away. Consult your doctor before using this medicine again.

Moderate
What is the effect of Imatinib on the Liver?

Side effects of Imatinib rarely affect the liver.

Mild
What is the effect of Imatinib on the Heart?

You may experience side effects on your heart after taking Imatinib. If this happens, then discontinue its use. Consult your medical practitioner, and do as he/she suggests.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Imatinib with Other Drugs

Imatinib should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Fentanyl

Clozapine

Adalimumab

Moderate

Chlorpheniramine,Codeine

Diclofenac

Ibuprofen

Simvastatin

Imatinib Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Imatinib unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Diabetes
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Jaundice
Bleeding
Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Frequently asked Questions about Imatinib

Is this Imatinib habit forming or addictive?

Imatinib does not cause addiction.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

No, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Imatinib as you may feel sleepy.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, but take Imatinib only as per medical advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Imatinib is not used to treat mental disorders.

No

Imatinib Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Imatinib

It is safe to take Imatinib with food.

Safe
Interaction between Alcohol and Imatinib

Due to lack of research, nothing can be said about side effects of consuming alcohol while taking Imatinib.

Unknown