Effects of this medicine

Before using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist

• If you have previously experienced any allergic reactions (itch, rash, etc.) to any medicines.

• If you are pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking any other medicinal products. (Some medicines may interact to enhance or diminish medicinal effects. Beware of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements as well as other prescription medicines.)

Dosing schedule (How to take this medicine)

• Your dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor is <<        to be written by a healthcare professional>>

• For adults with chronic myelogenous leukemia: In general, take 4 tablets (400 mg of imatinib) at a time in chronic phase or 6 tablets (600 mg) at a time in accelerated phase or blastic phase, once a day, after meal. The dosage may be adjusted according to the results of blood tests, age and symptoms, and may be increased up to 6 tablets (600 mg) at a time once a day in chronic phase or up to 4 tablets (400 mg) at a time twice a day in accelerated or blastic phase.
  For adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphatic leukemia: In general, take 6 tablets (600 mg of imatinib) at a time once a day, after meal. The dosage may be adjusted according to the results of blood tests, age and symptoms.
  In any case, strictly follow the instructions.
• Take it with a glass of water (about 200 cc) or lukewarm water after meals.

• If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule. You should never take two doses at one time.

• If you accidentally take more than your prescribed dose, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Precautions while taking this medicine

• Keep prescribed test schedule. Measure your weight periodically, and consult with your doctor if there is abnormal weight gain.
• Avoid taking grapefruit juice with this medicine, since it may intensify the therapeutic effects of this medicine.
• Avoid taking any food containing Saint-John's wort with this medicine since it may diminish medical effects.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness and blurred vision. Take care in working at heights, driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.
• Sexually active females should use birth control while taking this medicine.

Possible adverse reactions to this medicine

• anemia, fever, bleeding tendency [marrow depression]
• headache, disturbance of consciousness, hemiplegia [cerebral hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage]
• melena/vomiting of blood, abdominal pain, enlarged feeling of the abdomen, anemia [gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric antral vascular ectasia, gastrointestinal perforation, tumor bleeding]
• weight increase, chest pain, respiratory distress [serious body fluid retention]
• fever, dry cough, respiratory distress [interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis]
• facial pallor, respiratory distress, disturbance of consciousness [shock, anaphylaxis]

Storage conditions and other information

• Keep out of reach of children. Store away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
•  Discard the remainder. Do not store them. Seek advice of your pharmacy or medical institution about proper disposal of the unused medicines.