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BCR-ABL/c-KIT tyrosine-kinase inhibitor

Imatinib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Glivec

Imatinib is an oral specialist tyrosine kinase inhibitor established in chronic myeloid leukaemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours; in rheumatology it appears mainly as a comorbidity medication, though its antifibrotic actions have been explored investigationally in systemic sclerosis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits BCR-ABL and related tyrosine kinases including PDGFR and KIT, suppressing pathological cell proliferation and signalling.

Prescribing in practice

  • Fluid retention, including periorbital and peripheral oedema and occasionally serious effusions, is the characteristic safety issue and needs monitoring of weight and signs of fluid overload.
  • Myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity occur and require regular blood count and liver function checks.
  • It is a CYP3A4 substrate and inhibitor, so concomitant medicines must be reviewed against current prescribing references.

Monitoring

Monitor full blood count, liver function and for fluid retention and weight gain, with specialist-led dose adjustment as directed by the SPC.

Counselling the patient

  • Report swelling, rapid weight gain or breathlessness to your team.
  • Take with food and a large glass of water to reduce stomach upset.
  • Avoid grapefruit, which can increase drug levels.

Evidence & guidelines

Robust randomised evidence underpins its use in chronic myeloid leukaemia; rheumatological use in fibrotic disease remains investigational and not routinely recommended.

Reference: NICE TA70/TA86/TA251; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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