Possible side effects Potential drug interaction Oedema (swelling around your eyes, in your feet or 1. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking lower legs may occur if your body retains extra any other medications. fluid) 2. Some of the medications may interact with imatinib, particularly: What to do? ● Anti-fungals, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole ● Contact your doctor if you experience a rapid and voriconazole unexplained weight gain. ● Anti-biotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin ● If swelling in your feet or lower legs is a ● Anti-HIV medicines, such as ritonavir problem, try to elevate your feet when sitting ● Anti-convulsants, such as carbamazepine, Information for and avoid tight clothing. phenytoin and phenobarbitone ● If symptoms worsen, diuretics may be ● Anti-tuberculosis medicines, such as rifampicin patient taking prescribed by your doctor to ease the ● Anti-coagulants, such as warfarin, apixaban condition. ● St John’s wort oral targeted Increased bleeding risk therapy What to do? What if I miss a dose? ● Avoid injuring yourself. ● If you are taking imatinib once a day, take the ● Avoid constipation. missed dose as soon as you remember if it is 12 ● Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush hours or more until your next dose. Imatinib to avoid gum bleeding. ● If you are taking imatinib twice a day, take the ● Tell your doctor immediately if you have any missed dose as soon as you remember if it is six unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as hours or more until your next dose. nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood spots or ● Otherwise, skip the missed dose. Then take the rashes on the skin, vomiting blood, blood in next dose as usual. urine or stool. ● Do not double the dose. Headache, leg aches/ cramps ● Inform your doctor about any missed dose during follow-up appointment. What to do? ● These can often be eased by taking mild How to store? painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to 1. Keep out of reach of children. prescribe or recommend a suitable painkiller 2. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct for you if necessary. heat and light. If side effect symptoms persist or worsen, contact the doctor immediately. For any queries, please seek advice from

your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. If you notice any allergic reactions like skin itchiness, 藥劑職系及服務統籌委員會 face or hand swelling, breathing difficulty, etc., COC-Grade (Pharmaceutical Services) consult your doctor immediately. S/N: 047Ev2 (09/2019) What is Imatinib? treatment and for 1 month after you stop this Skin rashes or itching medicine. Imatinib is an oral targeted therapy called tyrosine What to do? kinase inhibitor. It acts by inhibiting the enzymes 6. Please consult your doctor if symptoms persist ● Wear loose cotton clothing. (tyrosine kinase) inside cancer cells, which is or worsen after using the medicine. ● Use moisturising creams or lotions. involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By 7. Avoid handling the medicine if you are ● Avoid direct sun exposure, you may use a blocking these signals, imatinib can stop the cancer pregnant. sunblock or wear a hat while conducting cells from growing and cause them to die. 8. Wash hands after you have handled the outdoor activities. medicines. 9. Consult doctor or pharmacist on the use of over Nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite Indication -the-counter medications, Chinese medicines, What to do? Imatinib is used in the treatment of herbal medications and vaccination during your ● Eat small frequent meals with a balanced diet. chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), acute treatment. ● Avoid foods with strong flavouring. lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or gastrointestinal 10. Sexual activities are not contraindicated during ● Maintain adequate fluid intake. stromal tumour (GIST). treatment but you are advised to use barrier ● Take the anti-emetic medications prescribed contraception (such as condoms). Inform your by your doctor if necessary. How to use? doctor if you are in doubt of being pregnant. Fatigue Dosage varies from different indications and individual response. Possible side effects and their What to do? ● Imatinib should be taken with a meal and a ● Avoid driving or operating machinery. large glass of water to minimise the risk of management ● Balance activities with rest. stomach irritations.

● Take it at the same time each day. Possible side effects Diarrhoea ● Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice during Increased infection risk What to do? treatment. ● What to do? Drink plenty of fluids ● Avoid fatty or spicy foods, dairy products and ● Wash your hands often and maintain personal Precautions hygiene. high fiber content foods (e.g. vegetables, fruits, wholemeal bread, digestive biscuits). 1. Use the medication as directed by the doctor. ● Avoid crowds and close contact with people ● Take the anti-diarrhoeal medications 2. If you have history of drug allergy, consult your who are sick. prescribed by your doctor if necessary. doctor or pharmacist before using the ● Avoid taking raw food. medicine. ● Seek medical advice immediately at the first sign 3. Discard all medications that have expired or no of an infection such as fever (over 38oC or 100oF longer required. by an oral thermometer), chills, cough, or 4. Do not share the medication with other people. burning sensation when passing urine. 5. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during