Imatinib (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time 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. Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

This medicine should be taken with a tall glass of water and a meal to help prevent stomach irritation.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or crush it.

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.

Be careful not to handle crushed or broken tablets. If you have contact with broken or crushed tablets, wash your skin with soap and water right away.

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 (tablets):
  • For the treatment of Ph+ CML-CP, CML-AP, CML-BC after failure of Interferon-alpha therapy:
    • Adults—400 or 600 milligrams (mg) once a day, as determined by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For the treatment of newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP:
    • Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 340 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) per day. The dose may be taken once a day or the dose may be divided into two small doses (once in the morning and once in the evening). However, the dose is usually not more than 600 mg per day.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For the treatment of relapsed or refractory Ph+ 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. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For the treatment of DFSP:
    • Adults—800 milligrams (mg) per day or 400 mg two times a 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 as 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. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For the treatment of HES or CEL:
    • Adults—400 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may start you at a lower dose and adjust your dose as needed.
    • 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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 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.

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