Imatinib User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Brand names: Gleevec

Imatinib has an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from a total of 47 reviews on Drugs.com. 90% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 5% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Imatinib

Charl...
March 15, 2016

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia "Been on Glivec 100mg since June 2011 for Chronic Eosinofiliac Leukemia. Side effects comprises muscle cramps, tiredness and persistent cough. Has reduced my white cell count from 13 to <0.6 I have reduced my level to 50mg or half a tablet and my blood counts have remained stable over a 10 month period. I did this to aleviat the cramps and cough. Helped the cramps but not the cough. I still get tired but not as tired as I was prior to the medication."

8 / 10

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9 Report

Bob
Taken for 5 to 10 years
December 8, 2023

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I've been on Imatinib/Gleevec for about 8 years now, and have had complete remission (0% detection at molecular level). I take 1/2 a pill with breakfast, and 1/2 a pill with dinner, and it greatly reduces the nausea side effects. Other side effects for me include slight muscle cramping after exertion... so I make sure I stay on top of my water and take electrolytes (i.e. Propel packets work great) if I'm particularly active."

10 / 10

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ronlin
Taken for 5 to 10 years
May 2, 2016

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "Praise God for Gleevec/Imatinib. Discovered the CML in early 2005. Immediately went on Gleevec 800mg daily. After a few months, I changed doctors, went to 600mg and many side effects began to ease up. Over the years we've tried Spricel and another drug but side effects worsened so we are back with Imatinib 600mg. With the exception of diarrhea, bloating and fluid retention, all is great. Am into my second month on the generic Imatinib so we'll see. Again, just so thankful for Meds which control the CML and the doctors who developed it."

9 / 10

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8 Report

Frequently asked questions

Marie
Taken for 10 years or more
December 2, 2021

Gleevec (imatinib) 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. Naturalpath 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 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?"

10 / 10

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Cee
Taken for 5 to 10 years
July 4, 2019

For Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "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 first two side effects. Timing of taking med helps with the third. Glad to be alive and credit Gleevec/iminitib for 8 years of good living."

10 / 10

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5 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Dotti
September 12, 2014

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I've been taking Gleevec for a year now, at first I was very tired but now I'm taking a multivitamin but I've notice that my skin coloring has changed. I'm concerned a brown skin woman but now my skin has lighten so much until I'm wearing makeup for very light skin women some days I have very little color and I look almost white. My doctor hasn't seen this before he said usually patients become darker."

10 / 10

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Rhonda
Taken for 1 to 2 years
October 20, 2023

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I was diagnosed with CML in 1997. I have been on interferon treatment for CML until 2022 when I had to switch to Gleevec because they no longer make interferon. Gleevec caused my hair to thin, horrible gastric issues. Mainly severe gas after taking it. Although I take it with a full meal and a full glass of water, I still suffer from stomach gas, flatulence, and at times diarrhea. Occasionally, puffiness under my eyes. Considering switching to another treatment drug for CML. The gas and flatulence are horrible. Beano and Extra Strength Gas X don't seem to help."

9 / 10

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rwade...
April 1, 2015

Gleevec (imatinib) for Myeloproliferative Disorders "I have a rare myeloproliferative disorder. Thanks to Gleevec, I can live an entirely active and normal life with a normal life expectancy. My blood analysis has always been normal since starting Gleevec."

10 / 10

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7 Report

Click...
April 18, 2013

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "I was diagnosed with PH CML during December 2009. I was put on Imatinib Mesylate 400 mg since 1.1.2010. With Imatinib, My counts are well within normal limits and so far PH Chromosome has remained negative, till date. I have side effects like muscle cramps, headache, fluid retention, abdominal bloating, mild diarrhea , anxiety, sleeplessness and mood swings. Incidence of headache have come down. Fluid retention is relieved with Lasilactone, Bone pain relieved with Calcium and Vit D3. I take Wheat Grass juice & Beetroot Carrot Ginger juice and do certain Yoga specially for Cancer."

10 / 10

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Dianne...
Taken for 10 years or more
July 30, 2023

For Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "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."

10 / 10

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Ben
Taken for 10 years or more
August 1, 2023

Gleevec (imatinib) 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. I have slight swelling around the 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."

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Austr...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
August 7, 2021

Gleevec (imatinib) for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "In 2016 I had a GIST removed that was attached to my bowel.I was on Imitanib 400g until 2019.In April 2021 my GIST returned in several locations(ct scan) around my abdomen. I went straight back on Imitanib 400g & after approximately 1 month I had a PET scan (whole body) & to my relief all previous tumors were gone. I am still taking Imitanib 400g & my Oncologist says we will monitor for 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? Other wise life is good."

9 / 10

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Ken...
Taken for 10 years or more
December 12, 2022

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "Started on Gleevec May 2004. Had body aches, swelling around the eyes and ankles and diarrhea. My body adjusted after a few months the aches went away and a year or two, the diarrhea finally ended. I started on 800 mg/day, then 600 and after a couple of years, 400mg per day. For those with tough side effect - I am sorry. Hopefully one of the newer drugs may help. As for the cost: for the last several years, I paid $10/mo copay. With the pharm. benefit mgt companies, the price started going up. I just switched to an online line pharmacy that advertises a cost plus program. It doesn't accept most insurance but is much cheaper than my copay. Hope that can help."

10 / 10

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Eddie...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
January 9, 2017

For Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia "I was diognosed Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia. Doctor started me with 400mg generic Gleevec and it helped right away but my white blood count dropped. So after a month I started 200mg everything was going ok until I got pneumonia. At first thehospital couldn't figure out why. Then the oncology doctor told me to stop the gleevec. I'm still battling the pneumonia and I'm not on the pill for my leukemia. He told me to get better from pneumonia cause it might be a side effect of the gleevec and after couple weeks he will evaluate and maybe put me on a different pill or maybe just 100mg gleevec. I'm a bit bummed out but we will see...any suggestions anyone?"

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Anonymous
Taken for 10 years or more
May 8, 2012

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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."

10 / 10

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41 Report

rpavlow
November 11, 2014

Gleevec (imatinib) for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "Mom has been on this since 2003 and is stable, I am very happy."

10 / 10

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33 Report

Steve...
March 5, 2015

Gleevec (imatinib) for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor "Apart from sluggishness and diarrhea, this has kept me alive for 10 years."

9 / 10

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29 Report

Anonymous
September 23, 2008

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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."

10 / 10

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37 Report

Anonymous
May 13, 2011

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "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."

10 / 10

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19 Report

brandi
Taken for 1 to 2 years
December 20, 2023

Gleevec (imatinib) for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "Gleevec is the best one so far. It has the least side effects. Seems easier on my body. I hope I'm able to stay on it."

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Walte...
Taken for 1 to 2 years
December 17, 2017

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "Sickness lack of appitite"

10 / 10

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Vinod...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
July 16, 2022

For Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia "No side effects I am using this medicine for 5 years"

10 / 10

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0 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.