User Reviews for Gleevec oral

I have side effects of Gleevec that are not comfortable but the drug is apparently doing what was expected.

I have an Epson 9 mutation, so I intake 800mg per day. side effects are notably strong, that is edema, anemia but...are there ways to reduce these side effects?

Diagnosed in Dec 2009. Chemotherapy, six treatments and stopped for risk concerns. On Gleevec for 30 months and in partial remission. Cancer % of blood very low on BCR ABL testing. Gleevec keeping me alive and for 70 still able to do many limited physical things. Unfortunately I am tired, have bone pain and muscle cramps on a daily basis. The diarrhea, eye and leg edema has subsided over time. I am hopeful the same will happen to other side effects. I am grateful to be here and to be enjoying my family. It is a difficult existence when compared to how life was before the leukemia and their support is what keeps me going. I encourage those with similar physical side effects to share the info with their family physician as they are able to prescibe helpful medications to deal with these problems. I take Zofran to help with stomach problems, flexeril for muscle cramping and immodium for the diarrhea. Advil helps with bone and joint pain. There are several new medications similar to Gleevec on the market. If your side effects are too severe maybe you should try one of those. Talk to your oncologist. As a final note. Without Gleeveec to fight the leukemia I would not be here to write this comment. That in itself says a lot about use of the medicine.Read More Read Less

rash early on, subsided at about 2 months. runny stool. anemia early on. increased greens intake helps.

Diagnosed age 66. Am now 69, in full remission. Usually tired, and nauseated after dosage if I don't eat first. Sure am glad I have job and medical insurance, considering the price of Gleevec. Patent ends in 2015 I think. Maybe I can retire then! Good luck to all!

Diagnosed december 2009. Chemo without complete remission. On gleevec 14 months and achieved complete remission. Problems are diarrhea, muscle cramps and tiredness. None are incapacitating and I am glad to be here and enjoying each day.

This drug has been a life saver for me. The only downside has been diarhea. So I try to get more fiber in my diet.

My daughter has been taking Gleevec for almost a year now. Blood results are good, infact dr says shes in blood remission. But she has alot of bone pain, muscle cramps, sleeps 12 to 15 hours a day, no energy.

I was dx in Nov 2003 with CML and within 2 years I was achieved molecular response. I"m very thankful that my doctor recommended thaking this drug over chemo.

After taking gleevec for 60 day's,I had a pet scan and the tumors shrank about 90%.This is a wonderful drug.

This medication has worked for my husband for the last 6 years.

I was diagnosed with CML in December 2005, upon learning of high white blood cell count at my 8-week OB visit (2nd pregnancy). I did leukapheresis, as my counts were 170's & had a baby on board. After a bout with sepsis in February '06 and 11 days in hospital, my counts (thanks be to God and all glory to His Name) were NORMAL!!! About 2 months after giving birth, my counts began to creep up again & I was put on the Gleevec. 400mg was too strong & 300 was too weak, and so I'm on 350mg/day. I do have bouts of nausea and headaches, occasional diarrhea, once in a blue moon I get cramps in the legs. I've had no swelling or any other adverse reaction to this drug. I find that my nausea can be treated with Wintergreen LifeSavers (traditional peppermints don't work as well for me).Read More Read Less

Been on this for over 2 years. It's been a definite Godsend. My blood counts went from an enormous and very scary high to a count that put relief and hope back in my life. I can't say enough good things about this drug. Some side effects, but nothing like being without taking it. I had a great deal of problems getting insurance to pay for it. They kept rejecting saying that it was more cost effective to go with "traditional" methods. I often wonder if others have had to battle the insurance companies in this form or any other to be able to receive this drug. Since I don't know many others who are actually on this, I can't seem to find any answers on this. In either case, I'm happy to report that this drug is doing just great and I don't think I could ask for more. Very grateful to know its available for us.Read More Read Less

I started on Gleevec 9 2005 I have had issues most all have I also had to have a iron infusion after being on it 3 years my iron level got low and the BCR test or CBC did not catch it they had to run a iron test not sure what it was but I was so weak I couldnt get out of bed evenn though for months I told them I was having issues they jusst brushed it off. I have now severe joint pain inner and outer leg and feet cramping If I keep blankets on legs year around I get very few cramping. my platlets were over 1,000,000. when I was diagnoised I had had a surgery 6 months prior and they were 480,000 but no one told me to watch this I could of easliy had a stroke .I caught it in time now they are having many issues with it failing after 5 years so please keep details reports and let your oncolist know your concerns.These Dr are human if you dont like the answer dont take it its your life control everything. God Bless us all may we live to be old ! watch all chemicals and radition items cells micro and test all cause damadge.Read More Read Less

I was diagnosed in Feb 2006. Have been in full molecular remission since Feb 2007. Could have bouts of nausea every time I take it, but have been taking Reglan with it and that, along with dr.'s approval of 6 days a week dosing, is not a problem. Have constant diarreha. At last visit, doctor said this will be a lifelong medication, but that's fine with me since it should give me a long life that I wouldn't have had without the Gleevec.

Gleevec maximize my life.I am very happy now a day's. I have no any side effect except some weaknesses.

My CML went into remission after taking 400mg for a year. Major side effects is CHRONIC TIREDNESS and bouts with diarrhea. the drug has saved my life. I just wish I had even just a little more energy which would make me feel like I am really living. Living with extreme tiredness is very frustrating.

I was put on this medicine in 2007 after doctors removed a stromal tumor which came all to pieces inside my stomach. So far I am still getting good CT scans, without taking the medicine it would probably come back within 6 months., it has been over 3 years. I have several side effects, swelling under eyes, shortens of breath, cramps in legs,hands feet or anywhere I have a muscle, but when I go to the cancer center I thank God that I am not taking chemo or radiation. I can deal with the side effects as long as it works. The medicine is very expensive, I could not afford to take it if I did not get assistance. So every day I count my blessing and thank God that I have just one more day to enjoy my family and friends. Read More Read Less