Gleevec® (imatinib) tablets for CML, ALL, and GIST

What Gleevec® Is and How It Works

Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) is a targeted cancer medicine taken by mouth. It blocks BCR-ABL, KIT, and PDGFR tyrosine kinases that drive certain leukemias and solid tumors. Approved in 2001, its main uses include Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and KIT-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. If comparing options without insurance, many patients consider both brand Gleevec and generic imatinib for value.

Gleevec works by binding to the ATP site of abnormal kinases and preventing downstream signaling that leads to uncontrolled cell growth. It is usually taken once daily with food and water. Strengths and dosing vary by condition and response. Common Gleevec uses also include hypereosinophilic syndrome/chronic eosinophilic leukemia (HES/CEL), aggressive systemic mastocytosis (non–D816V), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases with PDGFR rearrangements, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). We source through licensed, vetted partner pharmacies internationally to offer authentic brand medicines and a broad selection at accessible pricing.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult Ph+ CML: 400 mg once daily with a meal and a large glass of water; some patients may require 600–800 mg based on response and tolerance.
• GIST: often 400 mg once daily; some cases escalate to 800 mg daily in divided doses per specialist guidance.
• Ph+ ALL: dosing often higher and may be combined with chemotherapy protocols; schedules are specialist-directed.
• Pediatrics: weight- or body-surface–based dosing under oncology supervision.
• Swallow tablets whole; if needed, tablets can be dispersed in water or apple juice and taken immediately.
• Avoid grapefruit or strong CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors unless directed by your care team.
• Missed dose: take when remembered on the same day; skip if near the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Vomiting after a dose: a replacement dose is generally not advised; follow prescriber instructions.
• Lab monitoring: blood counts, liver function, and response assessments occur at regular intervals.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in a dry place; brief 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) excursions are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original bottle with the label intact and the desiccant, if supplied.
• Protect from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
• For travel, carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Use a daily reminder so you do not miss doses during trips.
• Do not use damaged, discolored, or expired tablets; contact your pharmacist for guidance.

Benefits and Savings

Gleevec transformed outcomes for Ph+ CML and other kinase-driven diseases. Many patients achieve complete hematologic responses within weeks and deeper cytogenetic or molecular responses over months. For GIST, it can control unresectable or metastatic disease and reduce recurrence risk after surgery. Oral dosing means no infusion visits, and a once-daily schedule simplifies adherence. Because it is a well-established therapy, there is also a Gleevec generic option (imatinib) that can significantly lower the Gleevec price.

Buying from Canada can reduce Gleevec cost by 60–80% versus typical US prices. We carry brand and several generics, including options comparable to Teva imatinib and imatinib Sun Pharma where available. Many shoppers compare Gleevec cost per month and imatinib generic cost to plan budgets without insurance. For current savings, visit our gleevec discount page. Bulk promotions and multi-month supplies can further reduce the average gleevec cost per year.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion
• Swelling (periorbital or peripheral edema), weight gain
• Muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue
• Rash, pruritus, headache, dizziness
• Myelosuppression (low white cells, platelets, or anemia)
• Elevated liver enzymes, fluid retention
• Hair or skin lightening, taste changes

Serious effects can include severe cytopenias with infection or bleeding, hepatotoxicity, cardiac failure, pulmonary edema or pleural effusions, gastrointestinal bleeding (notably in GIST), tumor lysis syndrome, and hepatitis B reactivation. Use effective contraception; fetal harm can occur. Breastfeeding is not recommended. Significant interactions involve CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers and warfarin; prescribers often choose alternatives for anticoagulation. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe swelling, yellowing of skin, or uncontrolled bleeding.

Onset Time

Hematologic improvements in CML often appear within 2–4 weeks. Cytogenetic responses typically evolve over 3–6 months, with deeper molecular responses developing over longer treatment. In Ph+ ALL, initial responses can be rapid but depend on the full regimen. For GIST, symptomatic relief may emerge within weeks, while radiographic responses are usually evaluated at 6–12 weeks and periodically afterward. Long-term disease control often relies on continued daily dosing and routine monitoring.

Compare With Alternatives

Other BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors include dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib. These agents have different kinase profiles, dosing, and safety considerations such as arterial events or QT effects with certain options. A specialist selects among them based on disease phase, mutations (for example, T315I), comorbidities, and prior response.

For patients with GIST that is KIT- or PDGFR-driven, alternatives after intolerance or resistance may include sunitinib or regorafenib. Mutation subtype and prior exposure guide sequencing. Clinical trials can also be considered if resistance emerges (for example, “Gleevec resistant GIST” situations).

We also provide other oncology medicines at Canadian prices. While they are not substitutes for Gleevec, therapies like Zytiga® for metastatic prostate cancer or Xospata® for FLT3-mutated AML illustrate the breadth of options available through our pharmacy.

Combination Therapy

• Ph+ ALL: imatinib combined with multi-agent chemotherapy and steroids; dosing and timing are protocol-based.
• CML: usually monotherapy; temporary cytoreduction (for example, hydroxyurea) may be used before or during initiation in high counts.
• GIST: used as primary therapy for unresectable/metastatic disease and as adjuvant therapy after surgery in selected patients.
• Supportive care: antiemetics, antidiarrheals, and diuretics for edema may be used when appropriate.
• Dose holds or reductions are common tools to manage myelosuppression or liver enzyme elevations.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults or children with Ph+ CML (chronic, accelerated, or blast crisis phases), Ph+ ALL, unresectable or metastatic KIT-positive GIST, and conditions with PDGFR rearrangements such as HES/CEL. DFSP is another labeled indication. Patients with severe hepatic disease, significant cardiac failure, or a known allergy require careful evaluation. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers and grapefruit should be avoided or managed.

Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment, and breastfeeding is not advised. Vaccination planning, surgery timing, and drug–drug interactions should be reviewed with healthcare providers. If cost is a barrier, consider the generic of Gleevec. Many patients compare imatinib 400mg price with gleevec 400mg cost to select the best option. We offer discreet US shipping and can send reorder reminders before your next fill.

To lower gleevec cost per month, ask your prescriber about multi-month supplies when appropriate. Larger fills can reduce the per-month gleevec medicine price, and combining them with periodic promotions can help further. Some customers explore brand-versus-generic choices without insurance to balance budget and continuity.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for imatinib (Gleevec)

Novartis Gleevec product information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Gleevec

Order Gleevec® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.