User Reviews for Gleevec

I am so thankful for Gleevec! I did have some side-effects but prior to Gleevec, taking interferon and hydroxyurea led to much more severe side effects. I had aching limbs, and I now have a skin reddening/rash--like rosacea on my cheeks and my upper arms are reddish--like a mild sunburn. I have tummy issues now--gurgling, diarrhea, cramping, etc., but they are easily managed with imodium. Gleevec has extended my survival and I had the honor of meeting Dr Druker who developed the drug, at Oregon Health and Science University. He was absolutely wonderful as was the care I received there.

I have been on Gleevec for about 5 1/2 years. It has completely controlled my CML; my oncologist says that there isn't any sign of cancer now. I have had complete remission. I had just about all side effects the first month I was on this medicine, but they all stopped. This is truly my miracle drug, a gift from GOD. I recently had my quarterly check up, and my doctor told me there had been follow up studies done, and the people that came off Gleevec, had the CML return, so I guess that means you're on it for life. The only downside is the cost, but thank God for my job and insurance, because it is covered. I guess other than that it is no different than taking insulin for life, except the cost.

Gleevec got my CML under control in less than a year. Taking it after dinner was the best time for me. The cost is the biggest downside to this drug. It is not covered by my insurance; therefore, it is very expensive, but worth it.

Gleevec has been a miracle drug for me, the side effects are minimal when you consider the outcome, if you don't take it. Thanks very much to the inventer of this medication.

My doctor put me on Gleevec when I was diagnosed with CML five years ago. It has saved my life. I have experienced some of its side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, and continual leg pain, but the benefit of living far outweighs any of the bothersome side effects!

I have been taking Gleevec for over 4 years, and as of today I am in complete remission of my case of CML. For the first 4-5 months of treatment Gleevec apparently caused nausea, especially when I engaged in any vigorous physical activity. Now I have no noticeable side-effects at all.

I have been on 400mg Gleevec for a little over a year. The side effects were hard the first couple months, but now I feel great and my the side effects are only rare digestive issues and headaches. My blood cell counts have been at, or close to normal for the last year, and my last bone marrow biopsy reviled that my cells containing the Philadelphia chromazone had gone from 1 in 2 to 1 in 50. They have also found out I have fibrosis of my bone marrow and are unsure if it's caused by the medication or the CML.

After being diagnosed with CML about 4 years ago. I began taking Gleevec 400 daily. First couple months were most difficult. I personally was nauseous and had diarrhea. Things seemed to settle down. I now have swelling in the face, especially in the eye area, in turn creates migraines which now are controlled by medicines. I also still have the occasional diarrhea bouts. I am thankful for Gleevec as my BCR able has been less than 01% pretty much Full Remission.

It really does help if you stick to the plan. I didn't and now I feel lots of different pains and also my condition is progressing.

Taking since early clinical trials in 2000. CCR within about 1 year and steady for the last ~10 years. Had the usual side effects at first but now all gone except I find I cramp easily (Can't tell if Gleevec is the cause). Biggest problem with nausea went away as soon as I switched to the 100mg tablets in place of one 400mg.

I was in one of the first studies on Gleevec (STI571). I started on Feb. 5th 2000. It has been a life saver. Some side effects but it's better than being dead. The cost is high but it is was it is to stay alive. Was in remission less then 6 months, I have been on 300 mg all these years.

The first 6 months I had a lot of bone pain and jerking reactions. Both have subsided. I do occasionally have those reactions, but very seldom. I was told just recently I am in remission, it took 2 1/2 years. The biggest down side is the cost. I did not get upset learning about my leukemia, but cried when I found out about the cost. I get help with my insurance and I am so thankful for PSI giving me some help with it as well.

I have been on Gleevec for about 10 years now, with absolutely NO side effects, except for one! After my hair grew back, it was curly all over my head. Makes hair styles quite easy at my age of 71.