Imatinib
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Imatinib
cause?
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or stomach discomfort
- Mild to moderate headache
- Rash
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, cover up with clothing or use sunscreen. - Muscle cramps or pain, joint pain
- Mild swelling due to fluid retention
- Decreased red and white blood cells, platelets
- Tiredness or lack or energy
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Fever of 38°C or higher
- Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain or severe swelling around eyes or of feet due to fluid retention
- Yellowing of eye whites or skin, dark tea-colored urine
- Severe rashes
Before taking
Imatinib
, what precautions must I follow?
- Use effective birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping Imatinib. Inform your doctor if you or your partner plan for or suspect pregnancy.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have any other medical conditions e.g. heart problems
- Are taking any other medication (including over-the-counter ones), herbal products or supplements e.g. paracetamol, iron supplements.
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Imatinib
?
- Grapefruit and it juice
- St John's Wort