About imatinib
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Used for
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
- Certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
- Other specified cancers, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Usual adult dose
Often 400 mg once daily for CML or GIST; some conditions require 600–800 mg daily, as prescribed by a cancer specialist.
Usual dose in children
For selected childhood leukaemias, commonly 340 mg/m² once daily, up to 600 mg daily; specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Muscle cramps or joint pain
- Low blood counts, fatigue, or rash
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver injury and low blood counts.
- Seek urgent care for severe swelling, breathing difficulty, or unusual bleeding.
- Take with food and a large glass of water to reduce stomach irritation.
- Doses and monitoring depend on cancer type and other medicines.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy during treatment; discuss reliable contraception and timing with the treating specialist.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers can change imatinib levels.
- Warfarin and some other blood thinners may increase bleeding risk.
- Imatinib can raise levels of medicines such as simvastatin and ciclosporin.
- Avoid grapefruit, which may affect imatinib levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.