Management Tips

Fluid retention can result in swelling of the fingers and ankles, and general weight gain. The swelling is usually most noticeable in the morning. Swelling around the eyes (periorbital edema) may be seen. It may also occur on its own, without fluid retention appearing anywhere else in the body.

Tips to help:

• To reduce fluid retention, patients should try to eat a diet that is low in salt and sodium, and avoid eating processed foods whenever possible, as these often have a high salt content

Nausea and vomiting most often occur if GLIVEC^® is not taken with or after a main meal. For example, taking GLIVEC^® after a light breakfast of tea and toast may not be enough.

Tips to help:

• Patients should take GLIVEC^® with or after a main meal and with a large glass of water—at least 8 ounces or 0.3 liters
• If a patient is taking more than 1 GLIVEC^® tablet a day, he or she needs to take them at different times of the day
• Patients should take GLIVEC^® at least 2 hours before bedtime
• And, because taking TASIGNA^® with food increases blood levels of the drug, patients should avoid eating for 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking TASIGNA^®1

Another adverse event experienced by some patients receiving GLIVEC^® is indigestion.

Tips to help:

• To reduce the chance of getting indigestion, patients should take GLIVEC^® with a meal and a large glass of water—at least 8 ounces or 0.3 liters. Indigestion is usually mild, but if it persists, physicians may recommend an over-the-counter medication

Diarrhea is a common adverse event of taking GLIVEC^®. It may occur regularly or just after eating certain kinds of meals, such as spicy foods.

Tips to help:

• It may help to watch what patients eat and change diet accordingly
• Although antidiarrheal medication that is available over the counter may help to control or prevent diarrhea, patients should consult their physician before taking any medications that have not been prescribed

Pain in joints may also occur sometimes with GLIVEC^®. This is most common at the start of treatment. It usually occurs during the first week and may last for up to a few months. It may get better with time.

Tips to help:

• Patients should tell their physician if they experience pain in muscles, bones, or joints
• Caution is advised when taking either GLIVEC^® or TASIGNA^® with acetaminophen or paracetamol. Patients should not take over-the-counter pain medicine without consulting their physician first

Muscle cramps are quite common with patients starting treatment with GLIVEC^® but often wear off after some weeks.

Tips to help:

• Using direct heat from a heated wrap has helped some patients. Patients should talk to their physician or nurse about other recommendations that might be helpful

Patients may experience a mild skin irritation when taking either GLIVEC^® or TASIGNA^®, which may be more likely to occur during the first month of treatment. Also, some patients find they burn more easily in the sun.

Tips to help:

• Physicians may prescribe an additional medication such as an antihistamine tablet or cream or a corticosteroid cream. To avoid sunburn, patients should be sure to cover up and always use a high-factor sun cream whenever they go out in the sun

Headache has been reported in some patients receiving GLIVEC^® and in patients receiving TASIGNA^®. Headaches are usually mild to moderate.

Tips to help:

• Caution is advised when taking GLIVEC^® or TASIGNA^® with acetaminophen or paracetamol. Patients should not take over-the-counter pain medicine without consulting their physician first

During treatment with GLIVEC^® or TASIGNA^®, patients need to have regular blood tests to help monitor their condition. These tests are for measuring blood counts and checking liver function.