Take imatinib orally with an 8 oz glass of water and a meal as directed by your doctor, generally once or twice per day. Don’t crush these tablets. If you have issues swallowing the tabs whole, dissolve them completely in a glass of apple juice or water. Stir until the tablet is dissolved and drink right away.
The dose you’re prescribed depends on your condition, response to treatment, and any other medications you might be taking. Ensure you give a list of your medications to your doctor and pharmacist (including non prescription drugs and herbal products) so that they can monitor for interactions.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while on Gleevec as it can increase the chances of side effects. Do not adjust how you use this medication without consulting your doctor first. If you take imatinib more often than prescribed your condition won’t improve faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle imatinib as it can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and could harm a fetus.