What conditions is Gleevec approved to treat?

Gleevec is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia, certain gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. It may also be prescribed for some rare PDGFR-driven disorders when appropriate. Your prescriber determines suitability based on diagnosis, prior therapies, comorbidities, and goals of care. Always review the official label and discuss your individual plan with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

How should I take the tablets with meals?

Take each dose with a meal and a large glass of water. Food helps reduce stomach upset. Swallow whole if possible. If you cannot swallow, a tablet may be dispersed in water or apple juice and consumed immediately, per label guidance. Take your dose at the same time daily to support consistency. Avoid grapefruit, which can affect levels. Follow your prescriber’s schedule and do not change dosing without guidance.

What side effects are common with this therapy?

Common effects include nausea, fluid retention with swelling, muscle cramps, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. Many effects are mild to moderate and manageable. Serious risks can occur, such as liver problems, low blood counts, severe edema, or bleeding. Contact a clinician urgently for yellowing of the skin or eyes, shortness of breath, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. Review the official label for the full list of warnings and precautions.

Can the tablets be split or dispersed?

Swallow tablets whole when possible. If swallowing is difficult, certain tablets may be dispersed in water or apple juice and taken immediately, following label instructions. Do not crush or split unless your prescriber confirms it is appropriate for your specific product and strength. Wash hands after handling. Dispose of any liquid mixture not used right away. Always follow the exact instructions provided by your clinician and pharmacist.

How long might treatment continue?

Duration varies by diagnosis, disease phase, and response. Some patients continue therapy long term if benefits outweigh risks and monitoring remains acceptable. Others may transition to another agent if response plateaus or side effects occur. Your care team will guide duration based on labs, imaging, tolerability, and clinical goals. Do not stop or change your medication without discussing a plan with your prescriber.

Are drug interactions a concern with Gleevec?

Yes. Strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers can change drug levels. Azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, some antiepileptics, and St. John’s wort are common examples that may require adjustments. Warfarin often needs closer monitoring. Alcohol can worsen dizziness or liver strain. Provide your full medication list, including supplements and over‑the‑counter products, to your clinician and pharmacist to check for interactions before starting therapy.

What monitoring is typically needed during therapy?

Your clinician may order blood counts, liver function tests, and periodic evaluations of disease response. Monitoring frequency depends on condition and treatment phase. Report new symptoms promptly, including swelling, shortness of breath, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. Keep appointments and follow lab schedules closely to help maintain safe, effective care. Ask your prescriber how often tests are planned and which results will guide decisions.

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Gleevec

Gleevec® Tablets for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

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What Gleevec Is and How It Works

Gleevec® is a prescription tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for several cancers. It blocks abnormal signaling in cells that drive certain leukemias and solid tumors. You can compare costs without insurance, with US delivery from Canada. This page explains uses, dosing basics, safety, and how to order through a licensed pharmacy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine targets BCR-ABL, KIT, and PDGFR pathways. By reducing these signals, it can help control disease activity. The treatment is taken by mouth with food and water to support tolerability.

Who It’s For

This therapy is approved for adults and some children with Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic, accelerated, or blast phase. It is also used for gastrointestinal stromal tumors that are unresectable or metastatic, and for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans when surgery is not possible or disease has spread. Some rare PDGFR-driven conditions may also be eligible under a prescriber’s guidance.

Review the condition pages for more context: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. Patients with significant liver problems, uncontrolled heart failure, or known hypersensitivity to components should discuss risks with a clinician before starting therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Imatinib mesylate tablets are taken with a meal and a large glass of water. Swallow whole. If you cannot swallow, a tablet may be dispersed in water or apple juice and taken immediately after mixing. Follow your prescriber’s exact instructions on schedule and duration. Do not change your regimen without medical advice.

Take it at the same time each day to help adherence. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may affect levels and should be avoided. Your care team may check blood counts, liver function, and response at intervals. If stomach upset occurs, taking the dose during a substantial meal may help. Keep a medication log or set reminders to stay on track.

Strengths and Forms

This oral therapy is supplied as film‑coated tablets. Commonly published strengths include Gleevec 100 mg tablets and 400 mg. Packaging and exact presentations can vary by manufacturer and country. Availability may differ over time and by fulfillment source.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up a missed tablet. If vomiting occurs shortly after a dose, follow your clinician’s advice rather than repeating the dose on your own.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in the original container, tightly closed, and out of children’s reach. Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. When traveling, carry your medicine in a hand luggage compartment along with your prescription label. Consider a simple pill organizer only if it keeps the original label with you for security screening. Do not store pills in a bathroom due to humidity.

For longer trips, bring enough supply plus a few extra days to cover delays. Keep your prescriber’s contact details handy in case questions arise. If local temperatures are extreme, use a small insulated pouch, then return to room conditions at your destination.

Benefits

This targeted therapy can suppress abnormal signaling in specific cancers. Many patients appreciate once‑daily scheduling for most indications. A Gleevec tablet can be taken with food, which may help reduce stomach upset. The class has a long clinical track record across CML and certain solid tumors. Tablet dispersal in liquid is an option for those with swallowing difficulties when advised by a clinician.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects may include:

Nausea or stomach discomfort
Fluid retention with swelling around the eyes or ankles
Muscle cramps or aches
Rash or skin irritation
Diarrhea or constipation
Fatigue or headache

Serious risks can include liver problems, low blood counts, severe edema, heart issues, or bleeding. Notify a healthcare professional right away if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. If taken with medicines that lower blood sugar or with insulin, hypoglycemia may occur and requires monitoring. Always review the official label and your prescriber’s instructions for comprehensive safety details.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers can change levels of this therapy. Examples include certain azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, some antiepileptics, and herbal St. John’s wort. Proton pump inhibitors may be used cautiously per prescriber guidance, while warfarin often requires closer monitoring. Alcohol can worsen dizziness or liver strain. Tell your clinician about all prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal products you use.

Use in pregnancy requires individualized risk assessment. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment. People with existing cardiac or hepatic conditions should be followed closely. Baseline and periodic lab tests help guide ongoing management.

What to Expect Over Time

Responses vary by condition, disease phase, and adherence. Many patients start with regular labs in the first months and then shift to intervals set by their prescriber. Some individuals may experience early stomach upset or fluid retention that can be managed. Others feel well with minimal symptoms. A clear plan for monitoring helps align expectations.

This course of Gleevec medicine may be continued as long as benefits outweigh risks under medical supervision. Keep consistent dosing habits and record any new symptoms. If your care team adjusts therapy, they will explain why and how long changes may last. Use a calendar or phone reminders to support routine.

Compare With Alternatives

Several approved TKIs are used across phases of CML. Your prescriber may consider goals, prior response, comorbidities, and interaction profiles when choosing therapy. Two options we carry include Dasatinib and Nilotinib. For more background on alternative agents, explore these articles: Understanding Nilotinib and Bosulif Medication.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent options for brand and generic tablets where available. Many customers compare the Imatinib cash price to the brand to understand potential savings. Our cart shows current totals before checkout, with no surprise fees. We provide Canadian pricing with clear US delivery details. Encrypted checkout protects your information during payment.

If you’re comparing access options, remember this ships via a licensed pharmacy with pharmacist review. We offer competitive Canadian pricing with clear terms. For patients seeking savings, consider discussing multi‑month fills if appropriate. US orders are fulfilled with care and Ships from Canada to US. Speak with your prescriber about documentation required for your condition.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and by time of year. When the brand is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend the Generic of Gleevec if it is appropriate for your condition. Generic imatinib from recognized manufacturers, including options like imatinib from Teva, may be dispensed when permitted by your prescription and local regulations. Your prescription label will indicate the specific product supplied.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults and children who meet the labeled indications and can follow routine monitoring. People with severe liver disease, significant heart failure, or a history of serious hypersensitivity require special caution. Always review risks against benefits with your prescriber.

To help manage costs, ask about longer supplies if stable on therapy. Align refills with lab appointments. Consider generics when your clinician agrees. Set refill reminders before travel. If your plan has a high deductible, comparing Canadian pricing can provide another reference point for budgeting. You can store tablets at home in a safe, dry place away from children and pets.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Which goals apply to my phase of disease?
How will we monitor response and labs?
Which side effects need urgent attention?
Are there medicines or supplements I should avoid?
Could a generic or alternative TKI be suitable later?
What is our plan if symptoms change?

Authoritative Sources

Novartis Product Information FDA DailyMed Health Canada DPD

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View All FAQs

What conditions is Gleevec approved to treat?
Gleevec is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia, certain gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. It may also be prescribed for some rare PDGFR-driven disorders when appropriate. Your prescriber determines suitability based on diagnosis, prior therapies, comorbidities, and goals of care. Always review the official label and discuss your individual plan with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
How should I take the tablets with meals?
Take each dose with a meal and a large glass of water. Food helps reduce stomach upset. Swallow whole if possible. If you cannot swallow, a tablet may be dispersed in water or apple juice and consumed immediately, per label guidance. Take your dose at the same time daily to support consistency. Avoid grapefruit, which can affect levels. Follow your prescriber’s schedule and do not change dosing without guidance.
What side effects are common with this therapy?
Common effects include nausea, fluid retention with swelling, muscle cramps, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. Many effects are mild to moderate and manageable. Serious risks can occur, such as liver problems, low blood counts, severe edema, or bleeding. Contact a clinician urgently for yellowing of the skin or eyes, shortness of breath, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. Review the official label for the full list of warnings and precautions.
Can the tablets be split or dispersed?
Swallow tablets whole when possible. If swallowing is difficult, certain tablets may be dispersed in water or apple juice and taken immediately, following label instructions. Do not crush or split unless your prescriber confirms it is appropriate for your specific product and strength. Wash hands after handling. Dispose of any liquid mixture not used right away. Always follow the exact instructions provided by your clinician and pharmacist.
How long might treatment continue?
Duration varies by diagnosis, disease phase, and response. Some patients continue therapy long term if benefits outweigh risks and monitoring remains acceptable. Others may transition to another agent if response plateaus or side effects occur. Your care team will guide duration based on labs, imaging, tolerability, and clinical goals. Do not stop or change your medication without discussing a plan with your prescriber.
Are drug interactions a concern with Gleevec?
Yes. Strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers can change drug levels. Azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, some antiepileptics, and St. John’s wort are common examples that may require adjustments. Warfarin often needs closer monitoring. Alcohol can worsen dizziness or liver strain. Provide your full medication list, including supplements and over‑the‑counter products, to your clinician and pharmacist to check for interactions before starting therapy.
What monitoring is typically needed during therapy?
Your clinician may order blood counts, liver function tests, and periodic evaluations of disease response. Monitoring frequency depends on condition and treatment phase. Report new symptoms promptly, including swelling, shortness of breath, unusual bruising, or signs of infection. Keep appointments and follow lab schedules closely to help maintain safe, effective care. Ask your prescriber how often tests are planned and which results will guide decisions.