Chemo Drugs
Gleevec (Glivec)
What Does It Look Like?
Orange capsule
How Is It Given?
Orally (by mouth)
Why Am I Taking It?
Gleevec blocks some cancer cell's ability to make a specific protein that has been found to cause the cancer. It is currently in use for some leukemias and is undergoing clinical trials for other cancers.
What Side Effects May Occur?
You may experience some, all, or none of those listed. Most side effects do not last long. Tell the doctor or nurse about any that you notice. The information here does not include all possible side effects; others may occur. Please report any problems to your doctor.
Changes in Blood Cell Counts
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A drop in blood cell counts including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets may occur.
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Tell your doctor about any signs of bleeding or infection. Avoid situations where you might be exposed to people with infections.
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Your blood will be drawn often to check your blood counts. It is very important to keep your appointments for your labs so that this can be watched closely.
Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss
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Usually mild. Medications will be available to control these symptoms if they occur.
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To avoid stomach irritation with Gleevec, take it with food and a large glass of water.
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Talk to your nurse or dietician if you are having problems with your appetite or taste changes.
Fluid Retention/Swelling
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You may have swelling around your eyes or in your legs. You may also retain fluid without noticing it.
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Weigh yourself daily at about the same time of day and with the same amount of clothing on. If your weight goes up over a pound a day, notify your doctor or nurse.
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Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop shortness of breath or become unable to lay comfortably in bed to sleep on your usual number of pillows.
Pain/Fatigue
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Bone, muscle and joint pains or aches may occur. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help with this.
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You may also feel very fatigued. Ask your nurse for tips on helping with fatigue management as usually more sleep does not make it better.
Other
Drug Interactions
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Because Gleevec is such a new drug, doctors do not yet know all of the drug interactions that may occur. These drugs are known to either increase or decrease the levels of Gleevec in your blood: coumadin, cyclosporine, decadron, dilantin, tegretol, phenobarbital, St. John's Wort, erythromycin, ketoconazole.
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Give your doctor a list of all of the prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and herbs/vitamins that you are taking. Make sure that it is up-dated each time there are changes.
Special Notes
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Discuss birth control measures with your doctor as it is not advisable to conceive or to father children while taking this drug.
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Take your Gleevec with a meal and a large glass of water.
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Your doctor will prescribe the specific dose for your cancer. This may mean taking several capsules at a time. Make sure that you understand how many to take and how often and keep it written down.
