MedicinePOMEssential

Imatinib

A targeted kinase-inhibitor cancer medicine for certain leukaemias and gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Clinical information

Common uses

Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia
Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
certain rare blood disorders and skin tumours

Common side effects

swelling (fluid retention)
feeling or being sick
muscle cramps and pain
diarrhoea
rash and tiredness

Cautions

fluid retention — weigh regularly
low blood counts — regular blood tests
serious liver damage can occur — liver is monitored
can harm an unborn baby

Interactions

CYP3A4 inducer medicines (lower imatinib levels)
CYP3A4 inhibitor medicines (raise imatinib levels)
warfarin (use heparin instead)
high-dose methotrexate (clearance delayed)

Pregnancy: avoid — can harm an unborn baby

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, imatinib mesylate label, setid a4e409f7-20b4-4c80-8a6a-f95995ffad78 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Imatinib	Tablet	100 mg	—	POM
Imatinib	Tablet	400 mg	—	POM
Imatinib DRLA	Tablet	400mg	State Trading Organization Plc	POM
Redistra	Capsule	100mg	State Trading Organization Plc	POM