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Glivec 333 333 Patient information leaflet on Glivec (imatinib) treatment This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment known as Glivec. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on Glivec are given at the end of the leaflet. What is Glivec treatment? Glivec is a cancer treatment which is given as tablets. It works by stopping a particular type of cancer cell from growing. Why am I having Glivec? Your doctor has recommended Glivec because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer. How should I take the Glivec tablets? You should take your tablets once a day with a meal and a large glass of water. You can choose what time of the day to take your tablets but it is important to take them at about the same time each day. If your dose is altered, you may need to take the tablets at slightly different time intervals, but this will be labelled on the box. 1 Glivec 333 Taking your Glivec tablets with food and water will help stop them upsetting your stomach. It is best not to have drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee or cola, for an hour before and after you take your Glivec tablets. You should also not have grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your treatment with Glivec. How many tablets will I need to take? This will vary for each person. There are 2 different strength tablets which are different sizes. The bigger tablets are 400mg and the smaller tablets are 100mg. The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the box. What should I do if I forget to take my tablets? If it’s within 2 hours of the normal time take them now. If it’s more than 2 hours late, miss this dose. Do not take the extra tablets when your treatment should have finished. It is important that even if you have missed any doses you should finish the treatment at the planned time. What if I take too many tablets? Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet. How should I store my Glivec tablets? You should store your tablets in their original packaging in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place. Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital Pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal. 2 Glivec 333 How long will I need to take my Glivec? Your doctor will discuss with you how long you need to take Glivec. You will usually take Glivec for as long as it is helpful. This could be for many months. Are there any side effects to Glivec? As with all medicines some patients can get side effects when taking Glivec. Usually these side effects are mild or moderate. It is unusual to have to stop taking Glivec because of any side effects. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have. Fluid retention (oedema) Some patients notice puffiness around their eyes or swelling of their ankles and legs. If you develop fluid retention you should tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic visit. Your doctor may prescribe tablets which can help. Diarrhoea Some patients have diarrhoea when taking Glivec. This is usually mild but it is important to tell your doctor or nurse if this happens. If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet. Sickness Nausea and vomiting can usually be avoided by taking your Glivec tablets with a meal and a large glass of water. We will give you anti-sickness tablets to take in case you need them. 3 Glivec 333 If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. Muscle cramps and joint pains. These are usually mild but please tell your doctor or nurse if these happen. You may find it helpful to take a mild painkiller, for example what you take for a headache. If your normal painkiller doesn’t help please contact us for further advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. Effect on your blood cells The normal production of blood cells can be affected by taking Glivec. This may lead to an increased risk of bruising or bleeding. Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you experience any of these problems. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. Infection You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment. If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening. Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is at the end of this leaflet. 4 Glivec 333 Other possible side effects Glivec may also cause: dry skin dry eyes or eye infections difficulty sleeping heartburn, reflux and wind Rarely Glivec can cause intestinal bleeding. If you cough or vomit blood, please go to your local Accident and Emergency Department. Please tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic visit if you experience any of the following: Abdominal pain Pains in your muscles, joints or bones Skin rash Headache Tiredness Watery eyes Other information It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst taking Glivec. Women should not breast feed whilst taking Glivec. 5 Glivec 333 How often will I be seen in clinic? You will be reviewed regularly in clinic. Your doctor will discuss how often you will need to be reviewed. How will my doctor know if the treatment is working? You will have scans at regular intervals during your treatment so that we can see if your treatment is working. Is it alright to take other medicines with Glivec? It is important to tell us about any other medicines you are taking. There are a number of medications that you must not take with Glivec, including over the counter medicines, such as St.John’s Wort. You should also tell your GP and your pharmacist that you are taking Glivec, if you are prescribed medication or wish to buy over the counter. Can I drive whilst taking Glivec? Some people can feel very tired, slightly dizzy or have some blurred vision when they first start taking Glivec. You should not drive if you experience any of these side effects. If these persist or cause any problems please talk to your doctor or nurse. Admission to another hospital whilst taking Glivec If you are admitted to hospital it is important that you tell them you are taking Glivec tablets. You should take your Glivec tablets with you to the hospital. It is also important that you let us know that you have been admitted to another hospital. If this is within normal working 6 Glivec 333 hours ask the hospital to contact your consultant’s secretary at Velindre Cancer Centre. At any other time ask them to contact the chemotherapy pager. The telephone numbers are at the end of this leaflet. Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and common side-effects: for more information regarding the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy Useful websites: www.gistsupport.co.uk www.macmillan.org.uk 7 Glivec 333 Contact telephone numbers Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888 Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home and need immediate attention at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you: Are sick more than once in 24 hours Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above Have 4 or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you If you need to let us know that you have been admitted to another hospital ask switchboard to transfer you to your consultant’s secretary Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010 cancer helpline 7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer This leaflet has been written by health professionals. The information contained in the leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years. Reviewed June 2016 8