Generic Gleevec (Imatinib)

Dosage

Gleevec is used for trerapy of some types of blood/skin cancer, marrow disorders, stomach tumors and digestic apparatus. The drug reduces the growth of some cancer cells.
Consult your medical advisor before starting treatment, let him know if you take any over-the-counters, vitamins and herbs. Provide the Doctor with your medical history.
Take the drug strictly following your Doctor?s instructions. Gleevec should be taken after eating with a glass of water or apple juice (also you may dilute the pill). Do not make any changes in your treatment without your Doctor?s approval. Take the pill with a glass of water. Do not crash it or inflict any other damage. Avoid skin contact with the content of the pill. Once you miss a dose and it is almost time for the next one, do not take any extra pills. If you overdose, search for medical help immediately.
Your blood and liver function will be analyzed often.

Precautions

Gleevec may affect your vision and cause slow thinking/ reactions so you should be careful driving or doing any other activities that require attention and good eyesight. Reduce the use of alcohol and avoid eating grapefruits while you are taking the drug because they can make it less effective. Avoid direct sunlight. To prevent infections stay away from people with flue, be careful with sharps and try not to be involved into contact sports. Do not get any kind of vaccinations without your medical advisor’s consent.
Gleevec can get into body fluids so people who contact with them should use rubber gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after removing the gloves. Wash contaminated cloths and linens apart from the rest. A pregnant woman should not handle body fluids.
Both male and female should not conceive a child/get pregnant during the whole period of treatment with Gleevec. Use contraceptives while taking the drug and for not less than 8 weeks after you finish the therapy. Do not take the drug if you breastfeeding.
You need an immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms: short of breath, wheezing, trouble breathing, fever over 100.4? F (38? C), shivering, unusual heavy bleeding during 15 min.
The side effects listed below require medical advice, but are not an emergency: nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; bleeding/ bruising; black/ tarry stool or bloody stool/ urine; extreme weariness; yellowish skin/eyes; redness, swelling and/or pain in one leg/arm; sudden gain of weight.
Inform your Doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.