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Gleevec Drug Center

Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) is a kinase inhibitor that inhibits a protein signal that causes cancer cell proliferation. It is used to treat patients with hematological malignancies or malignant sarcomas such as Philadelphia positive chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, aggressive systemic mastocytosis, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and other diseases. The generic name for Gleevec is imatinib mesylate and is available outside of the US as a generic named imatinib. Common side effects if Gleevec are mild gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, gas, muscle and/or joint discomfort, tired, mild skin rash, and flu-like symptoms.

Gleevec is supplied in 100 or 400 mg tablets. The dose is quite variable and depends on the disease being treated, age of patient (some doses based on mg per kilogram weight (mg/Kg). Doses usually range between 100 to 800 mg per day; high doses are divided into lower mg levels but are taken twice a day. Because the tablets have iron in the coating, high doses should use the 400 mg tablets to avoid getting too much iron. Gleevec should be taken with water and food. Gleevec should not be crushed or come in direct contact with skin as serious rashes may develop. Serious side effects can be severe blistering skin rashes, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, weakness with shortness of breath, severe headaches, swelling, and severe flu-like symptoms. Development of these symptoms requires urgent medical evaluation. Gleevec should only be used under the guidance of a physician experienced in treating patients with malignant diseases. It is not safe to use this drug while pregnant; breastfeeding studies are unavailable. Use in children under the age of 18 is infrequent; consultation with a specialist (such as a pediatric oncologist) is recommended. Many medical conditions and drugs affect the levels of Gleevec in patients, so patients are urged to be sure the treating doctor has a complete medical history and medication list before the drug is prescribed.

Our Gleevec Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases, and conditions.