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imatinib

Coupons, Savings & Patient Assistance

Learn more about imatinib and see what savings options may be available to you that can help bring down the cost of your medication.

Options may include Rx Advantage Card, Copay assistance & Coupons, or Patient Assistance Programs. Suitable for insured, underinsured or uninsured individuals. Pay as little as $0 per fill.

Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.

This content is intended for US audiences only

Drug savings programs

  • Qualified

    Rx Advantage Card for imatinib

    Good News! You can save up to 90% on the cost of your imatinib when using the FREE NowPatient’s Rx Advantage Card at your local pharmacy.

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  • Available

    Canada drug option for imatinib

    N/A
    Manufactured by
    N/A
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  • Unavailable

    Copay Assistance for imatinib

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for imatinib does not offer a co-pay assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

    A person holding a coupon or copay card
    Option Not Available
  • Unavailable

    Patient Assistance Programs for imatinib

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for imatinib does not offer a patient assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

    A picture of a patient assistance application form
    Option Not Available
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Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Updated on 24 Apr 2024

Learn more about imatinib

What dosages is imatinib available in?

What dosages is imatinib available in?

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

What is imatinib used for?

What is imatinib used for?

imatinib 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.

How does imatinib work?

How does imatinib work?

imatinib 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.

How do I take imatinib?

How do I take imatinib?

imatinib 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.

Is it safe for me to take imatinib?

Is it safe for me to take imatinib?

imatinib 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.

imatinib Common Side Effects

imatinib Common Side Effects

Common side effects of imatinib 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
imatinib Serious Side Effects

imatinib Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are rare with imatinib. 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
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on imatinib

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on imatinib

The following medications may interact with imatinib:

  • CYP3A4 inducers – May decrease imatinib levels and effects
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors – May increase imatinib levels and effects
  • imatinib 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
Who makes imatinib?

Who makes imatinib?

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Is imatinib safe in pregnancy?

Is imatinib safe in pregnancy?

imatinib 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 imatinib treatment and for fourteen days after stopping imatinib. Notify your physician if you are or think you may be pregnant.

pill

What to do if you missed your imatinib dose

The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.

Learn more about reporting side effects

What can I do if I am commercially insured but cannot afford my imatinib?

If you are commercially insured and you cannot afford your copay or co-insurance you can opt for purchasing imatinib outside of your plan using the Rx Advantage card, with costs that are usually lower than a typical plan copay. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

If you cannot afford the cash price possibly due to income constraints, then there is the option of applying to state assistance programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your imatinib without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am uninsured and cannot afford my imatinib?

If you cannot afford the cash price of imatinib using the Rx Advantage card then there is the option of applying to state programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your imatinib without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am insured with Medicare and cannot afford my imatinib?

If you are insured with Medicare and have Part D or an Advantage drug plan but cannot afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you have a number of options:

Option

Savings Information

RX ADVANTAGE CARD

You can use the Rx Advantage to purchase the medication outside of your plan at prices that may be lower than you copay or co-insurance element. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

LOW INCOME SUBSIDY

If this is still too expensive or unaffordable then you can apply for federal support like Low Income Subsidy (LIS). To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

MEDICAID

Alternatively, you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link to the HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

Am I eligible for the Rx Advantage Card and how much does imatinib cost without insurance?

Our website gives savings options to customers who wish to purchase imatinib, as either a brand or generic, without the constraints of insurance. By using the Rx Advantage Card, users can save up to 90% on the cost of their medication. The card can be used at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide, across America. Even if you are insured, in most cases the cash price will be significantly cheaper than your existing co-pay. NowPatient is able to negotiate discounts on bulk drug purchases with pharmacy owners meaning you can access lower medication prices at nearby pharmacies using our card that can be conveniently stored in your NowPatient account.

What will my out-of-pocket cost be for imatinib when using the Rx Advantage Card?

Your out-of-pocket (OOP) cost will effectively be the discounted cash price you pay for imatinib using the Rx Advantage Card. If you are insured, your OOP expense can not be used against your plan deductible, if your plan has a deductible.

Yes. The Rx Advantage card is especially useful for people who have High-deductible health plans (HDHPs). It can be used for insured, uninsured, and underinsured persons.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Medicare or any other federal or state insurance plans?

No. We do not bill any federal or state insurance including Medicare Part D (standalone drug coverage) or Medicare Advantage (combined health and drug benefit). When you purchase your medication using the NowPatient Rx Advantage Card, you will be doing so out of pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket imatinib cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Commercial Insurance?

We do not bill your commercial insurance. When you purchase your medication using the Rx Advantage Card, from NowPatient, you will be doing so out of your pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket imatinib cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

How do I check prices for imatinib and how do I use the Rx Advantage Card?

You can search for the prices at nearby pharmacies using our website. Simply search your medication and enter your ZIP Code and we will show you the price of your drug at nearby pharmacies. If you are happy with the quote, you need to create an account with NowPatient and generate your card. Next, simply go to the pharmacy and fill your imatinib Rx. Ask the pharmacy to run the card and check the price, even if they tell you they have another card they use. Your card is stored safely in your NowPatient account.

Do I need to pay for the Rx Advantage Card?

No. The Rx Advantage prescription savings card is FREE to use and store for NowPatient users.

Is there a imatinib co-pay program?

Generic medications like imatinib do not have co-pay card savings options. A Copay program, if available, would normally be for the brand name version of imatinib. You can search the brand name of imatinib and check to see if a co-pay program exists. Co-pay cards are programs run by pharmaceutical companies that offer you a direct way to lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for eligible patients. The copay cards essentially allow physicians to prescribe medications that are clinically preferred.

Is there a imatinib Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?

Generic medications like imatinib do not have PAP savings options. A Patient assistance program, if available would normally be for the brand name version of imatinib. You can search the brand name of imatinib and check to see if a co-PAP exists. PAPs are programs that are run and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. They offer uninsured, insured, or underinsured individuals access to high-cost brand-name medications, which may otherwise be unaffordable.

I am insured but I do not qualify for patient assistance or copay assistance for imatinib. Is there any other form of assistance that can help with the costs of my existing copays or co-insurance?

There are a number of resources available such as charitable foundations that may be able to provide assistance for your imatinib:

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for imatinib

If you are having trouble paying for your imatinib medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for imatinib you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

  • Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
  • imatinib is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
  • You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
  • You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers imatinib
  • If imatinib is listed on PAN's list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for imatinib

If you are having trouble paying for your imatinib medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for imatinib you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You live in and are being treated in the United States
  • You are insured and your plan covers imatinib
  • If imatinib is listed on the HealthWell Foundation's list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for imatinib

Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your imatinib treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for imatinib you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be currently insured and have coverage for imatinib
  • You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
  • You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
  • Your Income must fall at or below 3000r 4000f the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
  • Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.

Can I buy my imatinib from Canada?

Americans pay at least twice as much (in fact 218%) on prescription medications than individuals in other countries, like Canada. The reason why Canada drugs are cheaper is that Canada regulates its prescription medication drug prices (the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board) meaning that consumers pay less for their imatinib. This prevents pharmaceutical patentees from charging excessive prices.

As well, many Canadian drugs are likely produced by exactly the same companies in the same factories, as US prescription drugs.

We have partnered with Prescription Help in Canada that carries thousands of branded and generic medications. If there is an option for imatinib from Canada, then we will provide this as an Rx savings option to you.

Is it safe for me to buy my imatinib from Prescription Help, Canada?

If you purchase imatinib from Canadian Prescription Help, then there is little reason to worry about safety since it is likely that the drugs will be the same ones you would get from your American drugstore, and would have undergone the same rigorous testing as the American counterparts. Canada drugs are regulated for safety, efficacy and quality by Health Canada, which is the Canadian equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are unsure, you can discuss this option with your physician, especially if you find it difficult affording your medications and may therefore risk not being treated.

Rest assured, NowPatient has done thorough due diligence on Prescription Help, to ensure that the service is adequately licensed, regulated and safe.

We have checked and verified that Prescription Help:

  • Is a licensed pharmacy in Canada.
  • Will only fill your imatinib if you have a valid prescription.
  • Has a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions.
  • Does not send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual drug store, nor does it arrive in packaging that is damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired.
  • Does not charge you for products that you never ordered or received.
  • Provides clear written protections for your personal and financial information, including credit card numbers.
  • Maintains the highest standards of data security and compliance.
  • Does not sell your information to other websites.
  • Does not supply controlled substances.
  • Does not supply any products on an FDA Import Alert.
  • Quantities are restricted to a maximum of 3 month's supply for international orders.
  • Publishes contact information on website for customer service.

Is ordering imatinib from a Canadian Pharmacy legal?

Although it is technically not legal for individuals to import prescription drugs, It is notable that U.S. government officials have stated that individuals who procure non-controlled prescription drugs from Canada or other foreign sources for up to a three-month supply for their own use are not pursued or prosecuted. There are hundreds of thousands of American patients who have used or continue to use Canadian pharmacies to procure their medications at significant discounts. Often the price of medications can be the difference between getting treated or not being treated.

How do I place an order for imatinib from Prescription Help, Canada?

If your medication is available from our partner Canadian Pharmacy, then we will show it as an option. You can search for the product by pack size, strength or form and then see the price for imatinib. If you are happy with the price, you can proceed to the checkout. This will take you to the Prescription Help website, from where you can complete the process. Prescription Help is not connected to NowPatient other than as an affiliate partner which offers services that may benefit NowPatient users. It is not insurance, any payments are strictly cash and are considered out-of-pocket.

What should I do if I take too much imatinib?

Call your doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms do not improve or they become worse after using imatinib. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource if you think you've used too much imatinib. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

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