How to use
Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) should be taken orally with a full glass of water, with or without food. You should take Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) at approximately the same time, once or twice a day, to benefit from its maximum effect.

Follow the directions of your doctor exactly as he will determine your dosage based on a variety of factors, including your height, weight, age, general health and the condition that is being treated.

If you are unable to swallow tablets, you may put one dosage in a glass of water or apple juice to facilitate consumption. Wait until the tablets crumble completely and then drink the mixture immediately.

Overdose
Symptoms of an Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) overdose may include:

• Muscle cramps
• Swollen or bloated stomach

If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, please contact your local poison control center or emergency medical services immediately.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Generic Gleevec (Imatinib), take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by doubling up.

Notes
Your doctor may want to perform regular medical tests to see how you are responding to the medication and if you are suffering from any side effects.

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Storage
Store Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you. 

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Before using Generic Gleevec (Imatinib), make sure to inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:

• Liver, kidney or thyroid problems
• Heart diseases, an irregular heartbeat
• Lung diseases (e.g. asthma, COPD)
• Other cancers or blood disorders
• Any allergies
• Any vaccinations you have had
• Diabetes

Also tell your doctor if you smoke or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol.

Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) is classed as FDA Pregnancy Category D, which means it can potentially harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with Generic Gleevec (Imatinib).
Do not use Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) while breastfeeding. Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) passes into breast milk and could potentially harm a nursing infant. If you are breastfeeding and want to start treatment with Generic Gleevec (Imatinib), contact your doctor immediately.

Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) and your condition can both lower your body’s immune system, therefore adequate personal hygiene is advised while taking this medication.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Generic Gleevec (Imatinib), you should inform your doctor if you take any of the following:

• Other cancer drugs (e.g. Tamoxifen)
• Drugs used for HIV (e.g. Efavirenz, Indinavir, Nevirapine, Ritonavir)
• Cimetidine
• Blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin)
• Azole antifungals (e.g. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole)
• Macrolide antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin, Erythromycin)
• Anti-seizure medications (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
• Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g. Atorvastatin, Lovastatin)
• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus
• Cisapride
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. Diltiazem, Verapamil)
• Heart rhythm drugs (e.g. Amiodarone, Quinidine)
• Certain diabetes medications (e.g. Glipizide, Pioglitazone, Troglitazone)
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort
• NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen)
• Antidepressants (e.g. Desipramine, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)
• Beta-blockers (e.g. Carvedilol, Propranolol)
• Hormonal contraceptives

The above is only a partial list and other medications may interact with Imanitib. Inform your doctor of all other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you use, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal pills and medication prescribed by another doctor. Do not change medications without talking to your doctor first.

Using Generic Gleevec (Imatinib) may produce the following common side effects:

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• Vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion
• Joint pain, muscle cramps
• Depression or anxiety
• Night sweats
• Teary eyes

If you experience any of the following uncommon side effects, contact your doctor immediately:

• Puffiness under the eyes
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• Weight gain
• Shortness of breath
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Fainting
• Coughing up pink or bloody mucus
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Rash or blisters
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Blood in the stool
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Sore throat, fever, chills and other signs of infection
• Excessive tiredness or weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness

This is only a partial list of possible side effects and others may occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if any other side effects occur than the ones listed above or if they are especially bothersome.