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Gleevec is the brand name for imatinib and is available as an oral tablet.

Gleevec is available as a 100 mg and 400 mg oral tablet.

Gleevec is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative diseases, aggressive systemic mastocytosis, hypereosinophilic syndrome or chronic eosinophilic leukemia, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

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.

Gleevec is typically dosed 400 mg or 600 mg by mouth once daily in adults, depending on the condition being treated. Children’s dose will be based on their height and weight. 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.

Gleevec is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

Common side effects of Gleevec include:

• Fluid retention or swelling
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Rash or other skin reaction
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Common cold
• Bleeding
• Vomiting

Serious side effects are rare with Gleevec. 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 medications may interact with Gleevec:

• CYP3A4 inducers – May decrease Gleevec levels and effects
• CYP3A4 inhibitors – May increase Gleevec levels and effects
• Gleevec is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 which may increase the levels and effects of other drugs. Patients who require anticoagulation should receive low-molecular weight or standard heparin and not warfarin

Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Gleevec can cause harm to your unborn baby if taken while pregnant based on human and animal data. You should take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective contraception during Gleevec treatment and for fourteen days after stopping Gleevec. Notify your physician if you are or think you may be pregnant.

• Imatinib