Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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Gleevec Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: IMATINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (im-AT-in-ib)

Gleevec Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases). Imatinib works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells (tumors). It also works by causing cancer cells to die.

How To Use Gleevec Oral

Take this medication by mouth with a meal and a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. The US manufacturer recommends that if you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole, you may dissolve your dose in a glass of water or apple juice. The amount of liquid will vary depending on your dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed instructions. Stir the mixture well until the tablet(s) dissolve, and drink immediately.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised November 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.