What is Gleevec prescribed for?

Gleevec is prescribed for the treatment of Gleevec is prescribed for the treatment of 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.

Warnings for People taking Gleevec:

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

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

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 doctor 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. John’s Wort

Gleevec may affect other medications so it is important to review all medicines that you take with your doctor.

What side effects can you expect when taking Gleevec? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Gleevec. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

Commonly reported side effects include:

• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fluid retention (sometimes severe)
• 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.

For more detailed information about Gleevec, ask your doctor.