Gleevec and Nausea: What Users Say

• Cha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 22, 2013

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I have been on Gleevec since 2/2006. My white blood cell count went from 350,000 to 75,000 in less than three months. I went into full molecular remission by 2/2007. I have the BCR-ABL blood test every 6 months and there is no more Philadelphia Chromosome present. I still can get nauseated and occasionally vomit if I do not take my Reglan correctly or take Zofran with it, but that's a minor annoyance since this medicine saved my life. I would have only had a 40% chance of survival if I had a bone marrow transplant. Gleevec has given me a 95% chance of survival, and I'm almost at the 10-year milestone on the medication."

• mar...
• August 6, 2009

For Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "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."

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

For Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "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."

• fan...
• January 12, 2010

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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!"

• che...
• November 22, 2012

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I have been on Gleevec now for 6 months, and in that time, I have had maybe 5 well days. The other days have been filled with vomiting, nausea, body aches and pains, migraines, lethargy, insane amounts of facial swelling, and my weight is just up and down like a yo-yo, varying from 82 kilos down to 75. I now realize that when I said this wasn't the right medication for me 5 months ago, I was right. Today, my hematologist told me that my Philadelphia gene is unacceptably high, so now I am going to try something else. I am delighted to hear that others are doing so well on it, but it certainly wasn't for me."

• Luc...
• October 10, 2011

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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 100 mg tablets in place of one 400 mg."

• Anonymous
• January 10, 2010

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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."

• Dea...
• April 8, 2011

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "After being diagnosed with CML about 4 years ago, I began taking Gleevec 400 daily. The first couple of months were the 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, which in turn creates migraines that are now 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."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2015

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I have been on Gleevec for a year now. I started with 400 mg but could not tolerate it, so I dropped to 300 mg. I am in remission, but nausea has become a problem. Taking antinausea meds, but still nauseated most of the day. Lorazepam helps, but wish I felt better without all of this. Glad to be alive, though."

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 2, 2021

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I've been on Gleevec since 2007. Nausea was mild initially, but bothersome. Once I started to take it after the lunch meal, no nausea. I developed eye bleeds. Naturopath suggested grapeseed extract. The supplement has prevented further eye bleeds. I did 3 trials of Gleevec cessation. Each time BCR-ABL returned, each time sooner and higher percent of its presence. Gleevec was restarted. During the 3rd attempt, joint pain and swelling developed with a vengeance (TKI - Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, withdrawal syndrome). 3 months after resuming Gleevec, symptoms persist. Feels like I developed rheumatoid arthritis (this diagnosis ruled out by rheumatologist). Prednisone helps the best, but the therapeutic dose raises my blood pressure. How are others with lingering TKI withdrawal syndrome managing the symptoms? Any recommended reading for trial Gleevec cessation protocols?"

• Ben...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 1, 2023

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I've been taking this medication since 2005. I was 14 when I was diagnosed with CML. I am now 34 years old and doing well. Have slight swelling around eyes, with muscle, joint, and bone pain occasionally. It has made me more fatigued. But overall, I believe this medicine has helped a lot. I recommend taking it before bed and eating before you take it, it seems to reduce nausea."