Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Bosulif. It treats a certain type of leukemia called 'Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia'. 

You should take Bosulif exactly as prescribed. You should take each dose with food, and swallow the tablets whole. It's important never to crush or cut the tablets, and to never handle tablets that may have been crushed or broken. 

Side effects are common, such as mild fever or rash, and feeling tired or weak. So, wait until you know how Bosulif affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving. Also, most patients will notice stomach problems, like diarrhea or nausea, especially at first. Many side effects will be mild and should improve. Still, you must tell your healthcare team if you notice these or other unusual changes to your body, or if side effects become worse. They will manage them. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious effects could occur. With Bosulif, these include low blood counts, fluid build-up and swelling, allergic reactions, or problems with the liver or kidneys. You should read the 'Patient Information Sheet' for full information. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely and order lab tests. 

Bosulif has many interactions. It's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins, herbal remedies or other medicines. Also, grapefruit has a strong interaction with Bosulif, so do not eat, drink or take any type of grapefruit product. 

Bosulif can harm unborn babies. Women should talk to their doctors about which birth control to use and for how long. Also, women should not breastfeed. 

For best results with Bosulif, ask about educational and support programs that may be available to you.