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Imatinib (Gleevec , STI-571)
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: March 16, 2003
Imatinib (i-MAT-in-ib)
Other names: Gleevec , STI-571
| How it is given: | Imatinib is a medication used to treat cancer. It is given in a capsule form once a day. Each capsule contains 100 milligrams of imatinib; therefore you will probably need to take more than one capsule, depending on your dose. The dosage varies with the type of cancer being treated. Do not drink grapefruit juice, as it may interact with imatinib. Currently, imatinib is being used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, but clinical trials are testing this medication in many other cancers. |
| How it works: | Imatinib works by blocking signals within cancer cells, which prevents a series of chemical reactions that allow the cell to grow and divide. The growth of cells in our body are controlled by growth factors, which attach themselves to the surface of cells, triggering a series of chemical reactions that cause the cell to grow and divide. Cancer cells do not function properly. These cells are able to grow and divide even when growth factors are not present. Imatinib is able to attach to the faulty cell and prevent the "grow and divide" signal, thus stopping the reproduction of cancer cells. |
Side Effects & Precautions
Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to other chemotherapies. Drinking small amounts of alcoholic beverages does not seem to interfere with imatinib, but you should check with your doctor first. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary.
Common Side Effects
Imatinib is a relatively new medication. Information on side effects is available from the clinical trials that studied the medication. There is no information available on long-term side effects. In addition, other side effects may be discovered as more patients are treated, over longer periods of time.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is the most common side effect with imatinib. This is sometimes accompanied by vomiting or indigestion.
What to do: Taking the medication with a meal and a large glass of water has reduced this side effect for some patients. You should check with your physician before changing your dose time. Indigestion can be managed with over-the-counter medications, such as antacids. If you are prescribed anti-nausea medications, take as directed. If not, talk to your healthcare provider about trying an anti-nausea medication. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.
Swelling around the eyes or of the lower legs
Some patients experience swelling around the eyes or in the legs while taking imatinib. This is due to retention of fluids in the tissues.
What to do: Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic (medication which causes you to produce more urine) to help get rid of some of the excess fluid. Elevating your legs while seated may help decrease swelling in the legs.
Leg aches and cramps
Some patients develop mild muscle aches or cramps while taking imatinib.
What to do: Let your doctor or nurse know. These aches and cramps can usually be managed with calcium supplements or mild pain medications.
Diarrhea
What to do: Call you doctor or nurse if you experience an increase in the number of stools, an increase in the volume of stool or if the stool becomes more liquid. Take antidiarrheal medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Increase your fluid intake by drinking more liquids than usual (e.g. sport drinks, broth, gelatin, popsicles, soups). Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, cereal, and potatoes. If the diarrhea continues, contact your doctor or nurse again.
Skin rash
Some patients taking imatinib may develop a skin rash.
What to do: If you notice that your skin develops red patches or itchiness, contact your doctor or nurse. Your doctor may have you take an antihistamine (such as benadryl) or apply a topical steroid (such as hydrocortisone) to reduce the symptoms of the rash. If the rash becomes severe despite these medications, your doctor may need to temporarily or permanently stop the imatinib.