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imatinib
Used for GIST, Leukemia, Mastocytosis, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Used for GIST, Leukemia, Mastocytosis, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Imatinib (Gleevec) is an oral medication used to treat several types of blood cancers and other rare cancers in adults and some children. Depending on the condition being treated, you take it by mouth once or twice a day. Common side effects include fluid buildup, nausea, muscle cramps, and diarrhea.
What is Imatinib (Gleevec)?
What is Imatinib (Gleevec) used for?
Certain blood cancers
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML)
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
- Myelodysplastic / myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPD) with certain genetic mutations
- Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM)
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
Certain skin cancer
Certain tumors in the digestive tract
How Imatinib (Gleevec) works
Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking abnormal proteins called tyrosine kinases that tell cancer cells to grow and spread. Different types of cancer rely on different tyrosine kinases, including BCR-ABL, KIT, and PDGFR.
By blocking these proteins, imatinib (Gleevec) helps slow or stop cancer cell growth.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Gleevec |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
Newly diagnosed CML
- Fluid buildup or swelling (62%)
- Nausea (50%)
- Muscle cramps (49%)
- Bone or muscle pain (47%)
- Diarrhea (45%)
- Rash (40%)
- Tiredness (39%)
- Stomach pain (37%)
- Common cold symptoms (31%)
- Joint pain (31%)
MDS/MPD
- Nausea (57%)
- Diarrhea (43%)
- Muscle cramps (43%)
DFSP
- Nausea (42%)
- Tiredness (42%)
- Swelling around the eyes (33%)
- Swelling in the arms or legs (33%)
- Diarrhea (25%)
- Vomiting (25%)
- Rash (25%)
- More tears (25%)
- Low red blood cell count (25%)
GIST
- Fluid buildup or swelling (77%)
- Tiredness (69%)
- Nausea (58%)
- Stomach pain or cramping (57%)
- Diarrhea (56%)
- Rash or skin peeling (38%)
- Vomiting (37%)
- Muscle pain (32%)
- Low red blood cell count (32%)
- Reduced appetite (31%)
Note: Side effect rates differed across studies and conditions.
Less Common Side Effects
Newly diagnosed CML
- Bleeding
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Constipation
MDS/MPD
- Joint pain
- Swelling around the eyes
- Tiredness
- Low red blood cell count
DFSP
- Swelling in the face
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Reduced appetite
GIST
- Headache
- Low white blood cell count
- Cough
- Infection
- Itching
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
Imatinib (Gleevec) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Fluid buildup: rapid weight gain, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, tiredness
- Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, tiredness, pain in the upper right side of the stomach
- Bleeding: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, unusual bruising
- Serious skin reactions: rash, hives, peeling skin, blisters
- Tumor lysis syndrome: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, urinating less
When do Imatinib (Gleevec) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Low blood cell counts
More on Imatinib (Gleevec) side effects
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$6067.99
GoodRx discount
$50.68
Pros and cons of Imatinib (Gleevec)
Pros
- Treats several different types of cancer
- Tablet taken by mouth
- Approved for adults and some children, depending on the condition
Cons
- Can cause liver problems and low blood cell counts
- Not safe during pregnancy
- Interacts with many medications
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.
- Take imatinib (Gleevec) exactly as prescribed. If your daily dose is 800 mg or more, divide it into 2 doses taken at different times of the day. This helps prevent your body from absorbing too much iron from the tablet coating at one time.
- If you have trouble swallowing imatinib (Gleevec) tablets, you can dissolve them in water or apple juice. Stir well and drink the mixture right away.
- If you miss a dose of imatinib (Gleevec), skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time.
- Don't crush imatinib (Gleevec) tablets. If a tablet is crushed or broken, wear gloves when handling it, avoid touching the powder with your bare hands, and wash your hands right away if contact happens.
- Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurry vision. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Tell your care team about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take before starting imatinib (Gleevec). Many medications can interact with it, and your doses might need to be adjusted.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking imatinib (Gleevec). They can raise the amount of medication in your body and increase your risk of side effects.
- Tell your prescriber right away if imatinib (Gleevec) causes sudden weight gain or new swelling. These can be signs of serious fluid buildup. Catching this early can help your care team change your dose or treat the problem before it gets worse.
- Children: Imatinib (Gleevec) might slow growth in children. Your child's prescriber will check their growth regularly during treatment.
- Pregnancy: If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking imatinib (Gleevec) and for 14 days after your last dose. Tell your prescriber right away if you become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Don't breastfeed while taking imatinib (Gleevec) or for 1 month after your last dose. The medication can pass into breast milk and it’s not known whether that can harm a breastfed baby.
More on Imatinib (Gleevec) tips
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.
Fluid buildup and swelling
- Risk factors: Higher dose of imatinib (Gleevec) | Older adults
Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause your body to hold too much fluid, which can lead to a condition called edema. This can lead to swelling, rapid weight gain, or, in rare cases, serious problems such as fluid around your lungs or heart. Tell your care team right away if you notice sudden weight gain, swelling in your face, hands, or legs, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
Low blood cell counts
- Risk factors: CML in accelerated phase | CML in blast crisis
Imatinib (Gleevec) can lower your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can raise your risk of tiredness, infections, and bleeding or bruising. These changes usually happen during the first several months of treatment, so your care team will check your blood counts regularly. Tell your prescriber right away if you have a fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or feel more tired than usual.
Heart failure
- Risk factors: Older adults | History of heart problems | History of kidney problems
Imatinib (Gleevec) can rarely cause heart failure or make existing heart problems worse. Tell your prescriber right away if you have shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, sudden weight gain, or unusual tiredness.
Liver problems
Imatinib (Gleevec) can cause serious liver problems, including liver failure in rare cases. Your prescriber will check your liver function with blood tests before and during treatment. Tell your care team right away if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in the upper right side of your stomach, unusual bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, or severe tiredness.
Bleeding
Imatinib (Gleevec) can raise your risk of serious bleeding, including bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Tell your prescriber right away if you have black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, cough up blood, unusual bruising, or bleeding that won't stop.
Stomach problems
Imatinib (Gleevec) can irritate your stomach and, in rare cases, cause a hole in your stomach or intestines. Take it with food and a large glass of water to help lower the chance of stomach upset. Get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain, fever, or black or bloody stools.
Heart problems in certain conditions
- Risk factors: Blood conditions with high eosinophil levels
If you have hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL), or certain other rare blood conditions with high eosinophil levels, imatinib (Gleevec) can rarely cause serious heart problems when you first start treatment.
Your prescriber might check your heart before you begin treatment and might prescribe other medications to help lower this risk. Tell your care team right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.
Serious skin reactions
Imatinib (Gleevec) can rarely cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Get medical help right away if you develop a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin, sores in your mouth, or a rash with fever. Your prescriber might have you stop the medication until the reaction gets better.
Low thyroid hormone levels
- Risk factors: Thyroid removal surgery and taking levothyroxine
If you've had your thyroid removed and take levothyroxine, imatinib (Gleevec) can lower your thyroid hormone levels. Your prescriber might check your thyroid blood tests during treatment and adjust your levothyroxine dose if needed.
Harm to unborn baby
Imatinib (Gleevec) shouldn't be used during pregnancy, since it can harm your unborn baby. If you can get pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for 14 days after your last dose. Let your care team know right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Slowed growth in children
Imatinib (Gleevec) might slow growth in children and teenagers. Your child's prescriber will check their height and growth regularly during treatment. It's not known whether this medication affects growth over the long term.
Tumor lysis syndrome
- Risk factors: Fast-growing cancers | Large amount of cancer in the body
Imatinib (Gleevec) can rarely cause tumor lysis syndrome, a serious condition that happens when cancer cells break down too quickly. Your risk might be higher if you have fast-growing cancers or a very large amount of cancer in their body before starting treatment.
Your prescriber might check your blood tests and make sure you're well hydrated before you begin treatment. Tell your prescriber right away if you have nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness, or changes in how much you urinate.
Kidney problems
- Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Diabetes | High blood pressure | Congestive heart failure
Imatinib (Gleevec) can affect how well your kidneys work, especially with long-term use. Your prescriber will check your kidney function before and during treatment. Your risk might be higher if you have kidney problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure. Tell your care team if you notice swelling, urinate less than usual, or have sudden weight gain.
Imatinib (Gleevec) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 400mg of Imatinib (Gleevec) is $100.29 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 99.08% off the average retail price of $10,931.98.
Interactions between Imatinib (Gleevec) and other drugs
Imatinib (Gleevec) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Imatinib (Gleevec). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Imatinib (Gleevec) interactions
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Imatinib (Gleevec)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Imatinib (Gleevec). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Imatinib (Gleevec)
Used for:
Certain blood cancers
Certain skin cancer
Certain tumors in the digestive tract
$50.68View prices
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Imatinib (Gleevec) images
