imatinib-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), other cancer or blood disorders, any allergies. Because this medication and/or your medical condition can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other cancer drugs (e.g., tamoxifen), drugs used for HIV (e.g., efavirenz, indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir), cimetidine, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., "statins" such as atorvastatin, lovastatin), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cisapride, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), heart rhythm drugs (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine), certain diabetes medications (e.g., glipizide, pioglitazone, troglitazone), rifampin, St. John's wort, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), antidepressants (e.g., desipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine), beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol, propranolol). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in amount of urine (severe increase or decrease).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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