CANCER

Blood cancer medicine

How does Gleevec work? What will it do for me?

Imatinib belongs to a family of medications called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors.It is used to treat adults and children who have been newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It works by affecting enzymes that play a role in certain cancer cells.

It is also used to treat adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in blast crisis (sudden attack), accelerated phase (fast growth), or in chronic phase (long-term illness) after the failure of interferon-alpha therapy. Imatinib is also used to treat adults with cancerous gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) that cannot be removed by surgery or that are spreading to other parts of the body.

It is used to treat adults who have been newly diagnosed with certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL) and Ph+ALL that has not responded (is refractory) to other medications. Imatinib is also used to treat dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a cancer where tissue under the skin grows out of control when it cannot be removed by surgery or it is spreading to other parts of the body.

Other types of cancers can also be treated with imatinib. Imatinib may also be used to treat some types of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD), aggressive sytstemic mastocytosis (ASM), hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), and chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL). In these conditions, different types of blood cells start growing out of control.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Gleevec?

Treatment with imatinib should be started under the direct supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of the conditions for which this medication is being used.

For newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or chronic phase CML, the usual adult dose of imatinib is 400 mg daily. The usual adult dose in accelerated phase or blast crisis CML is 600 mg daily. The dose for children is based on the child's height and weight and will be calculated by your doctor.

For cancerous gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), the usual adult dose ranges from 400 mg to 600 mg daily. Dose adjustments may be required depending on your response and on the side effects you experience.

For Ph+ALL, the usual adult dose is 600 mg daily.

For MDS/MPD in adult patients, the starting dose is 400 mg daily.

For some types of ASM, HES, or CEL, the starting dose is 100 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to the treatment and on the side effects you experience, you doctor may increase your dose to 400 mg daily.

For DFSP in adult patients, imatinib is taken as 800 mg daily. Doses of 800 mg should be taken as 400 mg twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Imatinib should be taken by mouth, with a meal and a large glass of water. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking imatinib. Swallow the tablets whole.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

 What form(s) does Gleevec come in?

100 mg
Each scored tablet contains imatinib 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose (microcrystalline), colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, ferric oxide (red), ferric oxide (yellow), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and talc.

400 mg
Each scored tablet contains imatinib 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose (microcrystalline), colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, ferric oxide (red), ferric oxide (yellow), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and talc.

Who should NOT take Gleevec?

Imatinib should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to imatinib or to any of the ingredients of the medication.