| Pharmacy Drug Brand Name: | Gleevec® |
| Active Ingredient(s): | imatinib mesylate |
| Strength(s) / Dose(s): | 50 mg and 100mg |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Capsules |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only |
| FDA Approval Date *: | May 10, 2001 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Gleevec used for?
Gleevec is used to treat Gleevec is used to treat certain types of cancer including Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).
At this time it is not known whether Gleevec will improve symptoms or help patients live longer.
Special Warnings with Gleevec:
What should I tell my doctor or health care (healthcare) provider?
Tell your doctor if you experience swelling or weight gain from water retention.
Because Gleevec interacts with certain other medications, review all medications that you are taking with your doctor, including those that you take without a prescription.
Your health care (healthcare) provider may have to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you take certain medicines.
Examples of medications that may increasethe amount of Gleevec in your blood include:
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole
- erythromycin
- clarithromycin
Examples of medications that may decreasethe amount of Gleevec in your blood include:
- dexamethasone
- phenytoin
- carbamazepine
- rifampicin
- phenobarbital
- St. John’s Wort
Gleevec may affect other medications so it is important to review all medicines that you take with your doctor.
What are some possible side effects of Gleevec? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Gleevec. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug.)
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fluid retention (sometimes severe)
- Muscle cramps
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Headache
Although some of the serious side effects occur less frequently, severe side effects include severe fluid retention (edema), liver problems, and the potential for bleeding (hemorrhage), especially in the elderly.