What is Gleevec used for?
Gleevec is used to treat Gleevec
is used to treat 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.
Special Warnings with Gleevec:
Women of childbearing age should avoid becoming pregnant
while being treated with Gleevec.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider? 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 health care provider 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 are some possible side effects of Gleevec? (This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Gleevec. Your health care provider can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fluid retention (sometimes severe)
- Muscle cramps
- 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 health care provider.
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