Gleevec
(imatinib)
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Treats leukemia and stomach tumors.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Gleevec (imatinib) is good at treating leukemia and stomach tumors but it may cause serious side effects.
Quick facts about Gleevec
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (imatinib)
Upsides
- Gleevec (imatinib) is more effective at treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) than other treatments for it.
- Gleevec (imatinib) is available in generic form.
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What to expect from Gleevec, on one page
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Downsides
- In some rare cases, Gleevec (imatinib) can cause serious side effects such as liver damage, heart failure, and stomach tears.
- Gleevec (imatinib) can harm an unborn baby. You need to take birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks following the last dose.
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What to expect from Gleevec, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Gleevec (imatinib) stops cancer cells from multiplying, and kills cancer cells by blocking a specific protein that causes them to grow.
Quick facts about Gleevec
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (imatinib)
Used for
- Adults and children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML, Philadelphia chromosome positive)
- Adults and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Dosage forms
- Pill
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (400mg) tablets of imatinib near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Gleevec (imatinib) for ALL
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Low white blood cell count
- Low platelet count
- Infection
- Liver problems
- Low potassium
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Side effect rates for Gleevec (imatinib)
From 778 clinical trials of Gleevec when taken for any indication
- Low white blood cell count71%71%
- Low platelet count55%55%
- Liver problems22%22%
- Infection17%17%
- Low potassium9%9%
- Nausea and/or vomiting4%4%
- Swelling and sores in mouth3%3%
- Lack of appetite2%2%
- Bleeding2%2%
- Lower oxygen2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%
- Low blood pressure2%2%
0%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Gleevec.
Gleevec (imatinib)
Placebo
People taking Gleevec felt side effect more
People taking Gleevec felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Gleevec (imatinib)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Higher dose
- › Age 65 or older
Gleevec (imatinib) can cause water retention and swelling. You’ll need to weigh yourself regularly and tell your doctor about unexpected, rapid weight gain so it can be treated.
Pharmacist Q&A
Gleevec (imatinib) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats chronic myeloid leukemia in children with a certain genetic mutation (Philadelphia chromosome positive).Common concerns from people taking Gleevec (imatinib)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Interactions
- Gleevec (imatinib) can interact with medicines such as warfarin, phenytoin, erythromycin, and others. Talk to your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over the counter medicines and dietary supplements. Avoid grapefruit juice.
Food
- Take Gleevec (imatinib) with food and a large glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, Gleevec (imatinib) can be dissolved in water or apple juice and then taken.
Sleep
- Gleevec (imatinib) can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and drowsiness. Avoid driving until you know how your body reacts to this medicine.