How does this medicine work?
Imatinib (im-at-in-ib) is a chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by blocking signals that tell the cells to divide.
How should I give it?
Imatinib is given by mouth as a capsule. Give it at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the bloodstream. Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine.
For children who cannot swallow pills:
- Put on gloves.
- Open the capsule inside a clear plastic bag.
- Pour the capsule contents by small portions into 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of either apple juice or mineral water. Gently stir after each addition of powder. The active drug is yellow. Make sure all the yellow powder dissolves. Some white powder, which is an inactive ingredient, may remain as a solid.
- Make sure your child drinks all the liquid. Follow with a large glass of water.
- Wash spoons and container right after use. Discard the plastic bag and gloves.
Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
Imatinib should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
Imatinib can interact with many other medicines. Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
What should I do if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember that day. If it is near the time for the next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Never give a double dose.
If your child vomits and the capsule(s) can be seen and counted, repeat the dose with the number of capsules seen. If the dose was taken as a liquid, replace the dose only if vomiting happened right after swallowing and you can see a large amount of yellow drug material. Call the oncology clinic if more than one dose is missed or vomited
What are the side effects?
Common
- low blood cell counts
- bleeding, anemia
- nausea, vomiting
- heartburn
Occasional
- headache
- stomach pain, cramping
- muscle aches
- edema (swelling)
- rash
- fever
- tiredness
- change in liver function
Rare
- diarrhea
- trouble swallowing
- kidney problems