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

This is imatinib. It helps treat certain cancers and tumors of the intestines, stomach or skin. Imatinib is not chemotherapy. Instead, it is called 'targeted therapy'. It has other uses, too, such as treating conditions that have too many mast cells or eosinophils.

You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, at the same time each day. You should take it with a meal AND a large glass of water.  

Many people will have side effects. You could feel drowsy, dizzy or have blurry vision. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. Other common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, a decreased appetite, joint pain and muscle aches. The good news is most side effects are not serious. Still, you should report them to your doctor promptly. He or she will help you manage them.

Swelling of the ankles can be common, but it can be serious too. Let your doctor know right away if this happens or if you have rapid weight gain.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. With imatinib, these include liver problems, low blood counts, skin reactions and slowed growth in children. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely. You should ask about which symptoms to watch for, and when to report changes. 

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Also, you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. 

This medicine can harm unborn babies. Women should not become pregnant or breastfeed. 

For best results with imatinib, be sure to plan ahead for refills.