Glivec Tablets (Imatinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Glivec Tablets Used For?
Glivec contains imatinib, which belongs to a group of anti-cancer medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is used to treat various types of cancer and blood disorders in both children and adults.
Primary Uses
Glivec treats chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph-positive ALL), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD), aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM), hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), chronic eosinophilic leukaemia (CEL), gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
How It Works
Glivec works by slowing the growth of and killing cancer cells while leaving normal cells alone.
How to Take Glivec Tablets
Your doctor will determine the exact number of tablets you need to take. Take Glivec at the same time each day with a large glass of water and food to help avoid stomach irritation.
Dosage Instructions
Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and do not exceed the recommended dose. Glivec is usually taken as a single dose each day, but your doctor may want you to take it in two doses (morning and evening). If you cannot swallow tablets, dissolve them in water or apple juice (50 mL for 100 mg tablet or 200 mL for 400 mg tablet), stir completely, and drink immediately.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Dizziness, light-headedness or vertigo
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Rash, eczema, itchy or dry skin
- Skin darkening or lightening
- Increased sensitivity to sunburn
- Noticeable swelling
- Joint or muscle stiffness
- Bone or vein pain
- Weakness, feeling generally unwell
- Numbness, tingling in fingers and toes
- Change in sense of taste
- Irritated eyes, blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Hair loss
- Throat pain, cough or cold symptoms
- Loss of interest in sex, sexual function problems
- Breast enlargement, nipple pain
- Painful periods
- Slowing of growth in children and adolescents
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Unexpected bleeding or bruising
- Feeling light-headed, dizzy or fainting
- Pale skin, tiredness, difficulty breathing, dark urine
- Severe stomach pain, blood in vomit/stool/urine, black stools
- Rapid weight gain, severe fluid retention
- Widespread severe rash with fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain
- Signs of infection (fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
- Severe headache, weakness or paralysis, difficulty speaking
- Chest pain, irregular heart rhythm
- Yellow skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
- Eye pain or worsening eyesight, bleeding in eyes
- Muscle spasms with fever, red-brown urine, muscle pain or weakness
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Glivec.
Who Should Not Take Glivec Tablets
Do not use Glivec if you are allergic to imatinib or any of the ingredients listed. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart problems, have had your thyroid gland removed, or have hepatitis B infection (as it may become active again during treatment).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medicine may be harmful to your unborn baby. Use contraception during treatment and for 15 days after ending treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended as it could affect your baby.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Glivec and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Glivec as it may interact with the medicine and affect how your body uses it.
- St. John’s wort
- Paracetamol (found in Panadol®, Panadeine®, Codral®, Tylenol®)
- Antibiotics (rifampicin, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole)
- Antiviral medicines for HIV/AIDS
- Dexamethasone
- Cholesterol medicines (simvastatin)
- Epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone)
- Warfarin
- Mental health medicines
- Blood pressure and heart medicines
- Cyclosporin
- Methotrexate
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness and follow sun protection guidelines while taking Glivec.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Glivec and alcohol, but tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Glivec affects you, as it may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or drowsiness in some people.
Sun Protection
Wear protective clothing and use at least 15+ sunscreen when outdoors. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. This medicine may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, potentially causing rash, itching, redness, or severe sunburn.
Storage
Keep Glivec in its original container until time to take it. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Glivec, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure the treatment is working effectively. The timeline can vary depending on your specific condition and response to treatment.
Yes, you should take Glivec with food and a large glass of water. This helps avoid stomach irritation and is the recommended way to take this medication.
Do not stop taking Glivec suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Follow your doctor’s instructions and use Glivec until your doctor tells you to stop.
There are no known interactions between Glivec and alcohol, but you should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Try to avoid medicines containing paracetamol (like Panadol®, Panadeine®, Codral®, Tylenol®) for minor aches and pains, as paracetamol is associated with liver toxicity. Ask your pharmacist to suggest an alternative medicine.
Some children taking Glivec may have slower than normal growth. Your doctor will monitor growth at regular visits.
If you cannot swallow the tablets, dissolve them in water or apple juice (50 mL for 100mg tablet or 200 mL for 400mg tablet), stir completely with a spoon, and drink immediately.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.