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Imatinib
Page Text Size:
Index
- Basic Description
- Trials
- Other Known Uses
- Special Precautions
- Side Effects - Minor
- Side Effects - Serious - Contact Doctor
Basic Description:
Imatinib - Gleevec
"Imatinib (originally STI571) is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is currently marketed by Novartis as Gleevec (USA) or Glivec (Europe/Australia/Latin America) as its mesylate salt, imatinib mesilate (INN). It is used in treating chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and some other diseases." - Wikipedia |
Trials:
- Pilot Study of Gleevec/Imatinib Mesylate (STI-571, NSC 716051) in Neurofibromatosis (NF1) Patient With Plexiform Neurofibromas (0908-09) - www.ClinicalTrials.gov
- Glivec/Gleevec Pediatric (Age 1 to Less Than 4) PK Study in CML, Ph+ ALL Patients and Other Glivec/Gleevec Indicated Hematological Disorders. - www.ClinicalTrials.gov
Other Known Uses:
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
- Systemic Mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
- Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
- For treatment of Progressive Plexiform Neurofibromas associated with Neurofibromatosis Type I, early research has shown potential for using the c-kit tyrosine kinase blocking properties of Imatinib.
Special Precautions:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to imatinib or any other medications
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take.
- Tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; a heart attack; an irregular heartbeat; diabetes; or heart, lung, thyroid, or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, if you use street drugs, and if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Imatinib.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Imatinib.
- Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you develop diarrhea during your treatment. Do not take any medications to treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects - Minor:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Joint Pain
- Loss Of Appetite
- Muscle Cramps
- Nausea
- Night Sweats
- Teary Eyes
- Vomiting
Side Effects - Serious - Contact doctor if you experience any of the following:
Major side effects are uncommon. Since people with NF2 are taking these medications at a low dose, only minimal side effects are common. However, long term use is primarily where these major side effects take place. Monthly Blood and Urine Tests can usually point to an issue before it's a real problem. Talk to your doctor.
- Blood In The Stool
- Chest Pain
- Coughing Up Pink Or Bloody Mucus
- Difficulty Falling Asleep Or Staying Asleep
- Dizziness
- Excessive Tiredness Or Weakness
- Fainting
- Fast, Irregular, Or Pounding Heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Increased Urination, Especially At Night
- Puffiness Under The Eyes
- Rash Or Blisters
- Shortness Of Breath
- Sore Throat, Fever, Chills, And Other Signs Of Infection
- Swelling Of The Hands, Feet, Ankles, Or Lower Legs
- Unusual Bruising Or Bleeding
- Weight Gain
- Yellowing Of The Skin Or Eyes