Imatinib Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: IMATINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (ih-MAT-in-ibb)

Imatinib Oral Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, joint pain, or muscle cramps/pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

easy bruising/bleeding
fast/pounding heartbeat
extreme tiredness
sudden/unexplained weight gain
swelling (especially of lower legs/the area around eyes)
increasing trouble breathing (shortness of breath)

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

black/bloody stools
dark urine
stomach/abdominal pain
vomit that looks like coffee grounds
yellowing eyes/skin

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

rash
itching
swelling
dizziness
trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Imatinib Oral Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).