imatinib
Imatinib (Gleevec) is an oral medication used to treat different types of cancer and blood conditions in adults. It can also be used in children with certain leukemias. This medication can cause swelling, muscle or joint pain, and stomach upset.
What is Imatinib (Gleevec)?
What is Imatinib (Gleevec) used for?
Certain blood cell cancers and conditions
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML)
- Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
- Myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD)
- Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM)
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
Certain skin cancer
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
Certain tumors in the digestive tract - Gleevec brand only
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
How Imatinib (Gleevec) works
Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It blocks a certain protein in your body called tyrosine kinase. This helps stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Drug facts
Side effects of Imatinib (Gleevec)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Fluid retention or swelling (62%)
- Nausea (50%)
- Muscle cramps (49%)
- Bone, muscle, or joint pain (up to 47%)
- Diarrhea (45%)
- Rash or other skin reaction (40%)
- Fatigue or tiredness (39%)
- Headache (37%)
- Stomach pain (37%)
- Common cold (31%)
- Bleeding (29%)
- Vomiting (23%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Throat pain
- Indigestion
- Weight gain
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Depressed mood
Imatinib (Gleevec) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Infections: fever, chills
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, dry cough, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, weight gain
- Liver damage: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, tiredness
- Stomach bleed: blood in vomit, black or tarry stools, bright red blood mixed with stools
- Serious skin reactions: rash, hives, peeling skin, blisters
The following Imatinib (Gleevec) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, burning, or tenderness
bleeding from wound after surgery
bleeding gums
bleeding problems
bloating or swelling of the face, hands, lower legs, or feet
blood in the urine
bloody eye
bloody nose
blue lips and fingernails
blurred vision
body aches or pain
chest pain or discomfort
chills
clay-colored stools
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
coughing up blood
decrease in the amount of urine
decreased appetite
decreased urination
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
ear congestion
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
inability to speak
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
itching or skin rash
joint pain
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches on the skin
loss of appetite
loss of voice
mood changes
muscle aches and pain
muscle cramps
noisy, rattling breathing
nosebleed
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
prolonged bleeding from cuts
rapid weight gain
red, black, bloody, or tarry stools
red or dark brown urine
redness of the eye
seizures
shivering
slurred speech
small red or purple spots on the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
swelling in the legs and ankles
swollen glands
temporary blindness
tightness in the chest
trouble sleeping
troubled breathing at rest
troubled breathing when moving or walking
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
change in vision not present before treatment
chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder
confusion
delayed or slow growth in children
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
nausea, heartburn, or indigestion, severe and continuing
pain in the bones
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
seeing floaters, veil, or curtain appearing across part of vision
severe abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
severe constipation
severe vomiting
tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over affected area
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty with moving
discouragement
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
fear or nervousness
feeling sad or empty
feeling unusually cold
full or bloated feeling
increased bowel movements
irritability
lack or loss of strength
loose stools
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle stiffness
night sweats
passing gas
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
swollen joints
trouble concentrating
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Imatinib (Gleevec)
Pros
- One of the first-choice treatment options for low-risk CML
- Can be dissolved in water or apple juice for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Might be a good option for people who are older or who have more serious health issues, since it's not as strong as other medications in the same class
- Can be used in people with kidney and liver problems, with possible dose adjustments
- Available as a generic, which can be lower-cost
Cons
- Can cause low blood cell counts
- Requires regular blood tests so your provider can monitor for side effects
- Can stunt growth in children
- Not safe during pregnancy, since it can harm an unborn baby
- Interacts with a lot of medications and dose might need to be adjusted
Pharmacist tips for Imatinib (Gleevec)
- Take imatinib (Gleevec) with a meal and a large glass of water. This can help lower any stomach upset you might experience with the medication.
- If you have a hard time swallowing pills, you can dissolve the tablets in apple juice or water. Mix it well with a spoon, and then drink the mixture right away.
- Don't crush the tablets. If you find crushed or broken tablets, use gloves and avoid touching them with your bare hands. If you do end up touching crushed tablets, wash your hands right away. Exposure to the powder form of the medication can be harmful.
- If you're taking 400 mg or 600 mg a day, your dose can be taken all at once. If you're prescribed 800 mg or more a day, take the 400 mg tablet at separate times of the day to get to your total daily dose. Since the tablet coating contains iron, separating this daily dose throughout the day prevents too much iron from being absorbed into your body at once.
- You might experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision when you take imatinib (Gleevec). Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Give all your providers a full, up-to-date list of the medications you're taking, and talk to your oncologist before starting any new medications or supplements. Since imatinib (Gleevec) can interact with a lot of medications, they'll need to make sure all your medications are safe for you to take. The dose of your medications, including imatinib (Gleevec), might need to be adjusted.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking imatinib (Gleevec). It can raise the levels of the medication in your body.
- If you're female of childbearing age, use effective birth control while you take imatinib (Gleevec) and for 14 days after you stop the medication. This medication can harm your unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Common questions about Imatinib (Gleevec)
Imatinib (Gleevec) can be taken for many years. Continue to take this medication until your provider tells you to stop. Most people will continue to take imatinib (Gleevec) until the side effects become too severe or their condition worsens.
If you've forgotten to take imatinib (Gleevec), skip your missed dose. Take your next dose at your next regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time.
Since imatinib (Gleevec) kills cancer cells and stops their growth, it's likely that your cancer cells will start to grow and multiply if you stop taking the medication. Because of this, make sure to continue to take imatinib (Gleevec) every day as instructed by your provider. In the event of low blood cell counts or serious side effects, your provider might instruct you to pause the medication. This will allow your body to make more cells and recover from other side effects. Your provider will monitor you closely during this time.
In clinical studies, around 10% of people had hair loss while taking imatinib (Gleevec). If you experience hair loss or are concerned about it during treatment, ask your provider about ways to manage and cope with hair loss.
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Risks and warnings for Imatinib (Gleevec)
Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Water retention and swelling
Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause your body to hold onto water (water retention), which can lead to swelling. Sometimes, this can be serious. Your provider will monitor you closely for this and might prescribe medications to help you remove fluid from your body. Let your care team know if you notice swelling of your hands, feet, ankles, or belly, trouble breathing, unexpected weight changes, or fast weight gain over a few days or weeks.
Low blood cell counts
- Risk factors: CML in accelerated phase | CML in blast crisis
Imatinib (Gleevec) can lower your blood cell counts, including your red blood cells (important for carrying oxygen throughout your body), white blood cells (important for your immune system to fight off infection), and platelets (important for blood clotting). This can lead to feeling tired, getting sick more easily or more often, and bleeding or bruising more easily.
Low blood cell counts generally happen during the first couple months of taking imatinib (Gleevec). Because of this, your provider will closely monitor your blood cell counts through blood tests every week in the beginning and then at regular intervals as you continue to take the medication.
Heart failure and other heart problems
- Risk factors: Older adults | History of heart problems | History of kidney failure
Heart failure and other heart problems have occurred in some people taking imatinib (Gleevec). It's more common in older adults and people who have or have had certain conditions. Make sure your provider has your full medical history, so they can closely monitor your heart health. Let your care team know if you experience any signs and symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, dry cough, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and weight gain.
Liver damage
Rarely, liver damage has happened in some people taking imatinib (Gleevec). Your provider will monitor your liver health through blood tests before you start the medication and regularly during treatment. They might stop the medication or lower your dose if they think you have liver damage. Let your providers know if you notice any signs and symptoms of liver damage, including yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, tiredness, bleeding, and bruising.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: Tumors in stomach or intestines (GIST)
Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause bleeding, which can be very serious if it happens in your gut. Serious stomach bleeds are more common in people who have tumors in the digestive tract. Seek medical help right away if you notice blood in your vomit or stool. The blood can appear bright red or dark and tarry.
Harm to unborn baby
Imatinib (Gleevec) shouldn't be used during pregnancy, since it can harm your unborn baby. If you're female of childbearing age, use effective birth control while you take imatinib (Gleevec) and for 14 days after you stop the medication. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Slowed growth in children
Slowed growth has been reported in children and pre-adolescents taking imatinib (Gleevec). Your child's growth will be monitored closely by their provider. Discuss with your child's provider if you're concerned.
Imatinib (Gleevec) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 60 tablets | $61.19 | $1.02 |
| 400mg | 30 tablets | $105.20 | $3.51 |
Typical dosage for Imatinib (Gleevec)
Adults
- Most conditions: The typical starting dose is 400 mg or 600 mg by mouth once daily.
- DFSP: The recommended dose is 400 mg by mouth twice daily.
Children
- CML or ALL only: The typical starting dose will be based on your child's height and weight. Your child's cancer specialist (oncologist) will calculate the right dose for your child. The daily dose is taken by mouth, either as a single dose or as 2 equally separated doses during the day. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
Interactions between Imatinib (Gleevec) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Eliglustat
- Flibanserin
- Lomitapide
- Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
- Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
- Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Zoster Vaccine, Live
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Acalabrutinib
- Acetaminophen
- Adenovirus Vaccine
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Amiodarone
- Aprepitant
- Avapritinib
- Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bosutinib
- Brexpiprazole
- Brigatinib
- Buprenorphine
- Carbamazepine
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Cilostazol
- Clozapine
- Cobimetinib
- Codeine
- Colchicine
- Deflazacort
- Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
- Dihydrocodeine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Domperidone
- Doxorubicin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
- Elexacaftor
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Enzalutamide
- Eplerenone
- Ergotamine
- Fentanyl
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosnetupitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Gemfibrozil
- Ginseng
- Hydrocodone
- Ibrutinib
- Ifosfamide
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
- Ivabradine
- Ivacaftor
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Lemborexant
- Lumacaftor
- Lumateperone
- Lurasidone
- Lurbinectedin
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Midazolam
- Mitotane
- Naloxegol
- Netupitant
- Olaparib
- Oxycodone
- Pemigatinib
- Pentazocine
- Pexidartinib
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
- Rifampin
- Rimegepant
- Selpercatinib
- Selumetinib
- Simeprevir
- Smallpox Vaccine
- Sonidegib
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Tacrolimus
- Tazemetostat
- Tezacaftor
- Tolvaptan
- Tramadol
- Typhoid Vaccine, Live
- Ubrogepant
- Venetoclax
- Voclosporin
- Warfarin
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Zanubrutinib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Eltrombopag
- Levothyroxine
- Suvorexant
How much does Imatinib (Gleevec) cost?
What are alternatives to Imatinib (Gleevec)?
Certain blood cell cancers and conditions
Certain skin cancer
Certain tumors in the digestive tract - Gleevec brand only
News about Imatinib (Gleevec)
Imatinib (Gleevec) images
