Gleevec
Designed to target cancer cells to alleviate disease progression.
- Category
- Oncology Support
- Active ingredient
- Imatinib
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 100 · 400mg
Gleevec details
- Alternative names
- Glivec
- Therapeutic class
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to imatinib
- Minor side effects
- nausea; muscle cramps; oedema; fatigue
- Moderate side effects
- diarrhoea; headache; neutropaenia
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Patient summary
- designed to target cancer cells to alleviate disease progression.
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Novartis
- Onset Time
- 2–4 hours
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
- Ketoconazole; Warfarin; Grapefruit
- Age restrictions
- Used in children with specific leukaemic conditions.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: must not be used. Breastfeeding: not recommended.
Precautions and warnings
monitor blood counts regularly; avoid pregnancy during treatment; monitor liver function
Serious side effects
congestive heart failure, requires immediate medical attention; severe gastrointestinal haemorrhage, requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism of action
This medicine is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks specific proteins involved in the signalling pathways of cancer cell growth and survival.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Gleevec
Gleevec is a primary brand of imatinib, used for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour. This active ingredient is also distributed under the brand name Glivec. Produced by Novartis, the medication is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 100mg and 400mg.
Gleevec availability in Asia
Gleevec is registered across 14 markets including Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea, with availability also in Japan, the UAE and Singapore. For expats or individuals residing far from a major medical hub, generic imatinib is often a more accessible option than the original brand. Much of this generic supply is produced in India, providing a consistent source for patients. As a targeted therapy, it is best used under a doctor’s care.