Imatinib (Glivec) 100 mg

Imatinib marketed by Cipla, Glivec as (Europe/Australia/Latin America) or Gleevec (U.S.), is a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple cancers, most notably Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Like all tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, imatinib works by preventing a tyrosine kinase enzyme, in this case BCR-Abl, from phosphorylating subsequent proteins and initiating the signaling cascade necessary for cancer development, thus preventing the growth of cancer cells and leading to their death by apoptosis. Because the BCR-Abl tyrosine kinase enzyme exists only in cancer cells and not in healthy cells, imatinib works as a form of targeted therapy—only cancer cells are killed through the drug's action. In this regard, imatinib was one of the first cancer therapies to show the potential for such targeted action, and is often cited as a paradigm for research in cancer therapeutics.

Do not use Imatinib (Glivec) without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before using Imatinib (Glivec), tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding or if you are receiving chemotherapy.

Take this medicine with a large glass of water. Imatinib (Glivec) should be taken with a meal. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.

 If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember, making sure you also eat a meal and drink a large glass of water. If it is almost time for your next meal, skip the missed dose and take the medicine when you eat your next meal. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

To be sure Imatinib (Glivec) is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Imatinib (Glivec) :
Liver disease;
Kidney disease;
Congestive heart failure;
A history of stomach ulcer or bleeding; or
If you are receiving chemotherapy.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Imatinib (Glivec):


To be sure Imatinib (Glivec) is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.Store Imatinib (Glivec) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include severe muscle cramps.

Imatinib (Glivec) side effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Imatinib (Glivec): hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects :
Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
Feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
Swelling, rapid weight gain;
Urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
Sudden, severe headache or pain behind the eyes.
Seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin).