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Proper Use
Take imatinib only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.
This medicine should be taken with a tall glass of water and a meal to help prevent stomach irritation.
If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may dissolve the tablet in a glass of water or apple juice. If you are taking the 100 mg tablet, dissolve it in 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water or juice. If you are taking the 400 mg tablet, dissolve it in 7 ounces (about 1 cup) of water or juice. Stir with a spoon and drink immediately after the tablet has dissolved.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (tablet):
- For the treatment of ALL:
- Adults—600 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of ASM:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of CML:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) or 600 mg once a day, as determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of DFSP:
- Adults—800 milligrams (mg) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of GIST:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the additional treatment after complete removal of GIST:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of HES or CEL:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of MDS or MPD:
- Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of ALL:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
