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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Redford, MI
December 24, 2025
 · 
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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I was just fatigue on it. Was good for like 6months then cancer mutation and they put me on another.... did you check mark cuban drugs plus cost. I was getting gleevec for 60 without insurance

December 24, 2025
MyLeukemiaTeam

What are the side effects from imatinib?

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Like other TKIs, it can cause various side effects that range from mild to severe.

Common side effects of imatinib include:

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Fatigue or Show Full Answer

What are the side effects from imatinib?

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Like other TKIs, it can cause various side effects that range from mild to severe.

Common side effects of imatinib include:

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Fatigue or extreme tiredness
* Headache
* Skin rashes
* Fever
* Edema (swelling caused by fluid buildup)

Most of these side effects tend to become less noticeable or fade away over time. Your doctor can also prescribe medications or recommend strategies to help manage these unwanted effects.

It's important to remember that everyone reacts to medications differently. You may experience fewer or milder side effects than others, or potentially more severe ones.

One serious but less common side effect of imatinib is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sometimes PAH doesn't cause symptoms, but in other cases it can lead to shortness of breath, fainting, or trouble with physical activity.

Make sure to tell your healthcare team if your side effects are severe or getting worse. Staying in close communication with your care team helps ensure you can stick with your treatment plan, which is crucial for the best outcomes.

December 24, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I will have to check on that. I get my Imatinib from cost plus for 34.55. Thank you!!!

December 26, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

I hope this will help . Merry Christmas to you & yours !

December 24, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

For me, the Imatinib has had more side effects than Gleevec. The cost of Gleevec through my insurance is cost prohibitive for me. I have been on either one since November 2016.
I have been in remission since January 2018.
I have had most of the side effects listed above. My Philadelphia chromosomes are undetectable @ this stage. I see my oncologist every 3 months,

December 24, 2025

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