GLEEVEC

Gleevec Ingredients: Imatinib Mesylate
Representative Names: Gleevec

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:

Women of childbearing age should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Gleevec.

What should I tell my doctor or health care 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 provider may have to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely if you take certain medicines.

Examples of medications that may increase the amount of Gleevec in your blood include:

ketoconazole
itraconazole
erythromycin
clarithromycin

Examples of medications that may decrease the amount of Gleevec in your blood include:

dexamethasone
phenytoin
carbamazepine
rifampicin
phenobarbital
St. JohnÁs 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 ?

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.