Gleevec Side Effects

Gleevec |imatinib side effects and adverse reactions include:

• Fluid retension
• Hematologic toxicity
• Hemorrhage
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Hypereosinophilic cardiac toxicity
• Dermatologic toxicities
• Hypothyroidism
• Growth retardation in children and pre-adolescents
• Tumor lysis syndrome
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Arthralgia
• Rash
• Jaundice
• Muscle spasm

Warnings & Recalls for Gleevec

Gleevec should not be taken by pregnant women. Women who are sexually active should use a very effective contraceptive. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, speak to your doctor of the risk of harm or death to the fetus while being treated with Gleevec. Speak with your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease
• Renal failure
• Cardiovascular problems
• Diabetes
• History of bleeding
• Any problems with your thyroid
• Any allergies whatsoever

Low blood cell counts may occur as a result of taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have any underlying problems concerning your blood. Lowered blood cell counts may cause anemia or increase your risk of infection. Gleevec is known to cause bleeding, sometimes severe, in certain individuals. If you have had any signs of stomach or gastrointestinal bleeds such as:

• “Coffee ground” like substances in your vomit
• Blood in vomit
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools

Or, if you experience unusual bruising, speak to your doctor immediately.

Gleevec Treatment and Use

Gleevec | imatinib is a drug marketed by Novartis used to treat cancers like:

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
• Relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic lwukemia (Ph+ ALL)
• Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene rearrangements.
• Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) with or without the D816V c-Kit mutation
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome/chronic eosinophilic leukemia (HES/CEL)
• Unresectable, recurrent, and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

Gleevec has also been shown to aid in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension as well as pulmonary fibrosis.

How does Gleevec work?

Gleevec | imantinib works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine kinase, a chemical that is associated with certain cancers. This deprives tumor cells of a necessary component of their growth and eventually will cause them to die.

Other Names for Gleevec

Brand name:

• Gleevec

Generic (unavailable):

• Imatinib

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Gleevec