Gleevec is the brand name given to the drug Imatinib in the United States. In Europe and Australia, Imatinib goes by the name of Glivec. Imatinib is marketed by the company Novartis. Novartis chemists identified Imatinib in the late 1990s and Gleevec became FDA approved in May of 2001.

Gleevec is used in the treatment of cancers of the blood cells such as leukemia. Gleevec is also used to treat melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and tumors that form under the top layer of the skin.

Gleevec works by completely stopping or at least slowing the growth of cancer cells. Gleevec targets specific proteins in the cancer cells and causes them to die.

Gleevec comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth with food and a full glass of water to minimize the chances of an upset stomach. Be sure to follow your doctor's orders of dosing when taking Gleevec. If you have trouble swallowing tablets you may dissolve them in a glass of water or apple juice.

Some side effects of Gleevec include bleeding, bloating, abdominal pain, body aches, blurred vision, chills, cough, fever and dizziness.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Gleevec.

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