Leaflet attached to the packaging: patient information
Imatinib Adamed Pharma, 400 mg, hard capsules
Imatinib
Read the leaflet carefully before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.
- Keep this leaflet, so you can read it again if you need to.
- If you have any doubts, consult a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed to a specific person. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same.
- If the patient experiences any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. See section 4.
Table of contents of the leaflet
- 1. What is Imatinib Adamed Pharma and what is it used for
- 2. Important information before taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- 3. How to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- 6. Contents of the packaging and other information
1. What is Imatinib Adamed Pharma and what is it used for
Imatinib Adamed Pharma is a medicine that contains the active substance imatinib. This medicine works by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells in the following diseases.
Imatinib Adamed Pharma is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and children with:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)- English Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia). Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. Usually, white blood cells help the body fight infections. Chronic myeloid leukemia is a type of leukemia in which certain abnormal white blood cells (called myeloid cells) start to multiply uncontrollably. In adult patients, Imatinib Adamed Pharma is used to treat the late stage of chronic myeloid leukemia called blast crisis. However, in children and adolescents, it may be used to treat all stages of the disease.
Imatinib Adamed Pharma is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-positive ALL). Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. Usually, white blood cells help the body fight infections. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of leukemia in which certain abnormal white blood cells (called lymphoblasts) start to multiply uncontrollably. Imatinib Adamed Pharma inhibits the growth of these cells.
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD)- English myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative). These are blood diseases in which certain white blood cells start to multiply uncontrollably.
Imatinib Adamed Pharma inhibits the growth of these cells in certain subtypes of these diseases.
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)- English Hypereosinophilic Syndromeand Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia). These are blood diseases in which certain blood cells (called eosinophils) start to multiply uncontrollably. Imatinib Adamed Pharma inhibits the growth of these cells in certain subtypes of these diseases.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)- English dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans). DFSP is a skin cancer in which certain cells start to multiply uncontrollably. Imatinib Adamed Pharma inhibits the growth of these cells.
In the rest of the leaflet, abbreviations of the disease names mentioned above will be used.
2. Important information before taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma
Imatinib Adamed Pharma is prescribed to patients only by doctors with experience in using medicines for the treatment of blood cancers or solid tumors.
When not to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
If this information applies to the patient, they should tell their doctor before taking the medicine
Warnings and precautions
Before starting treatment with Imatinib Adamed Pharma, the patient should discuss the following with their doctor:
If any of the above points apply to the patient, they should tell their doctor before taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience the following while taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma
a sudden increase in weight. Imatinib Adamed Pharma may cause water retention in the body (severe fluid retention).
Children and adolescents
Imatinib Adamed Pharma is also used to treat children and adolescents with CML. There is no experience with the use of Imatinib Adamed Pharma in children with CML under 2 years of age.
Imatinib Adamed Pharma and other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking or have recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription (such as paracetamol) and herbal medicines (such as St. John's Wort).
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a baby, they should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
While taking this medicine, the patient may experience dizziness or drowsiness or vision disturbances.
Imatinib Adamed Pharma contains lactose monohydrate
If the patient has been told they have an intolerance to some sugars, they should inform their doctor before taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma.
3. How to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
The doctor has prescribed Imatinib Adamed Pharma because of the patient's serious condition.
How to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- Take Imatinib Adamed Pharma with foodto protect the stomach while taking Imatinib Adamed Pharma.
- Swallow the capsules whole with a large glass of water. Do not open or crush the capsules unless the patient has problems swallowing them (e.g., in children).
- If the patient is unable to swallow the capsules, they can open them and mix the powder with a glass of still water or apple juice.
How long to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
Take Imatinib Adamed Pharma every day for as long as the doctor recommends.
If you take more Imatinib Adamed Pharma than you should
If you have taken too many capsules, you should immediatelytell your doctor, as you may need medical attention. Bring the packaging with you.
If you forget to take Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Then continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Imatinib Adamed Pharma can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects can be serious. You should immediately tell your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects.
Very common or common side effects:
- Rapid weight gain. Imatinib Adamed Pharma may cause water retention in the body (severe fluid retention).
- Infection symptoms, such as fever, chills, sore throat, and mouth ulcers. Imatinib Adamed Pharma may reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood, making you more prone to infections.
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising (even without injury).
Uncommon or rare side effects:
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat (symptoms of heart problems).
- Cough, difficulty breathing, or pain while breathing (symptoms of lung problems).
- Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness (symptoms of low blood pressure).
- Loss of appetite, weight loss, or taste disturbances.
- Rash, redness, or itching of the skin.
- Severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools (symptoms of stomach and intestine problems).
- Reduced urine output, thirst (symptoms of kidney problems).
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever (symptoms of intestinal problems).
- Severe headache, weakness, or paralysis of limbs or face, difficulty speaking, sudden loss of consciousness (symptoms of nervous system problems, such as bleeding or swelling in the skull/brain).
- Pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dark urine (symptoms of anemia).
- Eye pain or vision disturbances.
- Hip or walking difficulties.
- Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes (symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome).
- Sudden swelling and redness of the skin (symptoms of skin infection called cellulitis).
- Hearing difficulties.
- Muscle weakness and cramps with irregular heartbeat (symptoms of changes in potassium levels in the blood).
- Bruising.
- Abdominal pain with nausea.
- Muscle cramps with fever, brown urine, muscle pain, or weakness (symptoms of muscle problems).
- Pelvic pain, sometimes with nausea and vomiting, sudden vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or fainting due to low blood pressure (symptoms of ovarian or uterine problems).
- Nausea, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, cloudy urine, fatigue, and/or joint problems with abnormal laboratory test results (e.g., high potassium, uric acid, and calcium levels and low phosphorus levels in the blood)
Frequency not known:
- Concurrent extensive, severe rash, nausea, fever, high levels of certain white blood cells, or jaundice with shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort, reduced urine output, and thirst (symptoms of an allergic reaction related to treatment),
- Chronic kidney failure.
- Reactivation (recurrence) of hepatitis B virus infection (liver infection) in patients who have had the disease in the past.
If you experience any of the above side effects, tell your doctor immediately
Other side effects may include:
Very common side effects:
- Headache or fatigue.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or indigestion.
- Rash.
- Muscle cramps or joint, muscle, or bone pain.
- Swelling, such as swelling of the ankles or eyes.
- Weight gain. If any of the above side effects worsen, tell your doctor
Common side effects:
- Lack of appetite, weight loss, or taste disturbances.
- Dizziness or weakness.
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
- Eye discharge with itching, redness, and swelling (conjunctivitis), increased tearing, or blurred vision.
- Nosebleeds.
- Abdominal pain or swelling, bloating with gas, heartburn, or constipation.
- Itching.
- Excessive hair loss or thinning.
- Numbness of hands or feet.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Joint pain with swelling.
- Dry mouth, dry skin, or dry eyes.
- Decreased or increased skin sensitivity.
- Hot flashes, chills, or night sweats. If any of the above side effects worsen, tell your doctor
Frequency not known:
- Redness and/or swelling of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which may be accompanied by tingling and burning pain.
- Slowed growth in children and adolescents. If any of the above side effects worsen, tell your doctor
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse
Reporting side effects
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse
5. How to store Imatinib Adamed Pharma
- Do not store above 30°C.
- Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister after "EXP:".
- Do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the packaging and other information
What Imatinib Adamed Pharma contains
- The active substance is imatinib (as mesylate). Each Imatinib Adamed Pharma capsule contains 400 mg of imatinib (as mesylate).
- The other ingredients are crospovidone (type A), lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate.
- The capsule contains gelatin, iron oxide yellow (E 172), titanium dioxide (E 171), and iron oxide red (E 172).
What Imatinib Adamed Pharma looks like and contents of the pack
Imatinib Adamed Pharma, 400 mg, hard capsules are orange gelatin capsules, size "00". They are available in packs of 10, 30, 90, and 100 capsules. Not all pack sizes may be available in your country.
Marketing authorization holder
Adamed Pharma S.A.
Manufacturer
Polfa Pabianice S.A.
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
France Imatinib Adamed Pharma
Poland Imatinib Adamed Pharma
Date of last revision of the leaflet: