Imatinib for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor User Reviews

• mar...
• August 6, 2009

Imatinib "After having surgery to remove my gastrointestinal stromal tumor one year ago, and having a CT scan every 3 months, I am NED (no evidence of disease), due to taking Gleevec. I only have one noticeable side effect, occasional nausea."

• Gis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2013

Imatinib "I am taking Gleevec after surgery to remove a 15 cm tumor. It has been 7 months, and I am tumor-free. The main side effects of taking Gleevec have been abdominal bloating with pain, at times severe. I am able to handle the side effects for the most part, but when it becomes too much, I just reduce my dose for a few days until I feel better, normally for two days a week. I was on Gleevec for 5 months prior to surgery. It didn't reduce the tumor, but it stopped its growth and reduced the density considerably."

• pms...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 30, 2013

Imatinib "I had a 5 cm gastrointestinal stromal tumor removed from my stomach about a year ago and have been on Gleevec 400 mg since Nov. 2012. Main side effects are occasional muscle cramping that can be intense, mild periorbital edema, and mild to moderate nausea. Most worrisome for me is a very low ANC (absolute neutrophil count) that is being closely monitored."

• Bat...
• June 26, 2016

Imatinib "In April of 2012, I was diagnosed to have GIST high grade by my doctors. The tumor was resectable, and it was removed immediately. My surgeon removed 80% of my stomach, and I find it a successful operation. My oncologist prescribed Glivec (Imatinib) 100 mg x 4 tabs a day for two (2) years from August 24, 2012, to August 24, 2014. I had my PET scan every six (6) months for the surveillance of possible tumor recurrence, the PET scan was stopped in 2015 since the tumor did not recur until now. It was hard in the first 2 months since my skin had discoloration and allergies, but I beat them all. I live a happy life with my family with prayers with the Lord above. Glivec is a wonderful cancer drug, but it was so expensive. God speed."

• Twi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 13, 2020

Imatinib "I had a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) removed from the stomach in 9/2015. I was put on 400 mg Gleevec but had to stop early on due to a low white count; was tested weekly and restarted with no issues in the white count. A CT scan in 2019 was clean. Side effects are diarrhea, runny nose, vomiting (early on but no longer), weight gain, and now vision changes. I'm currently seeking an oncology doctor as my neurologist is setting up an MRI to rule out optic nerve issues. He believes Gleevec may be the cause. I've been on it for 5 years now at 400 mg per day. Happy to be alive!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2020

Imatinib "Diagnosed with large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (27/30 cm), which was completely removed in 2019. I have been on imatinib 400 mg on and off since February 2020. Due to the side effects, I am now on 300 mg. I'm able to tolerate it better, although side effects are beginning to show. May have to take a break from the imatinib. Scans have been clear so far."

• Dia...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 30, 2023

"I have been on Imatinib since 2007 and I am still on it. I had a 5 1/2 pound tumor removed from my small intestines in 2005 and have had a scan every year since then, and they have all come back with no growth."

• Aus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 7, 2021

Imatinib "In 2016, I had a GIST removed that was attached to my bowel. I was on Imatinib 400 mg until 2019. In April 2021, my GIST returned in several locations (CT scan) around my abdomen. I went straight back on Imatinib 400 mg, and after approximately 1 month, I had a PET scan (whole body), and to my relief, all previous tumors were gone. I am still taking Imatinib 400 mg, and my oncologist says we will monitor for the next 5 years. So far, so good. I have relatively no side effects except I have developed a slight tremor which I am looking into. Does anyone have a similar tremor experience? Otherwise, life is good."

• Cee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 4, 2019

"Taking 400 units daily since 2010. Monitored every 6 months for potential recurrence. So far, there is no evidence of recurrence. I tend to retain fluids, suffer from intense hand and foot cramps, and have brain fog after taking imatinib. Medications and diet modifications help with the first two side effects. Timing of taking the med helps with the third. Glad to be alive and credit Gleevec/imatinib for 8 years of good living."

• rpa...
• November 11, 2014

Imatinib "Mom has been on this since 2003 and is stable. I am very happy."

• Ste...
• March 5, 2015

Imatinib "Apart from sluggishness and diarrhea, this has kept me alive for 10 years."