|
| Gleevec Description:
Gleevec is a new type of cancer drug the first of its kind developed to fight cancer by turning off an enzyme that causes cells to become cancerous and multiply. |
Product Notes:
What is Gleevec used for?
Gleevec is approved to treat a rare cancer called Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), which affects between 5,000 and 8,000 patients each year.
How is Gleevec be taken?
Dosage and administration recommendations: Therapy should be initiated by a doctor experienced in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Gleevec should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize the risk of stomach gastrointestinal irritation.
The recommended dosage of Gleevec is 400 mg per day for patients in chronic phase CML and 600 mg per day for patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis. The prescribed dose should be administered orally, once daily with a meal and a large glass of water.
Treatment should be continued as long as the patient continues to benefit.
Ive heard that this drug was called STI571? What does that mean?
Gleevec was given the name STI571 when it was under early development. STI stands for Signal Transduction Inhibitor and represents the action of the drug to inhibit enzymes called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This targeted kinase is the protein produced by a DNA translocation (the "Philadelphia chromosome") that appears central to the CML disease process.
What if I am taking other drugs?
Gleevec interacts with many other drugs. In some cases Gleevec increases blood levels of these drugs which may increase side effects. In other cases Gleevec decreases blood levels of the drugs which may decrease effectiveness of treatment. Similarly, Gleevec blood levels may be increased or decreased by other drugs. This might increase Gleevec side effects or decrease effectiveness. Because of these potential drug-drug interactions the patient must discuss all of their medications with their doctor. Side Effects:
Commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, and water retention (edema.) Although some of the serious side effects occur less frequently, severe side effects include severe fluid retention (edema) liver toxicity, and the potential for bleeding (hemorrhage) especially in the elderly. Manufacturer link or canadian Pharmacy drug sources: na
|
