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A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dallas, TX
February 5
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What are the common side effects of imatinib for CML?

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used to treat CML. Like all medications, it can cause side effects, though many people find these become less noticeable over time.

Common side effects of imatinib include:

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Show Full Answer

What are the common side effects of imatinib for CML?

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor commonly used to treat CML. Like all medications, it can cause side effects, though many people find these become less noticeable over time.

Common side effects of imatinib include:

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Fatigue or extreme tiredness
* Headache
* Skin rashes
* Fever
* Edema (swelling caused by fluid buildup)
* Muscle pain
* Low blood cell counts
* Abdominal pain

The good news is that most side effects tend to become less noticeable or fade away as your body adjusts to the medication. Everyone reacts differently to treatment, so you may experience fewer or milder side effects than others.

It's really important to tell your healthcare team about any new or worsening side effects. They can prescribe other medications or recommend strategies to help you manage these issues and feel better during treatment.

Sticking with your imatinib treatment plan is crucial for the best outcomes. Research shows that imatinib works well for most people with CML, with about 70 percent achieving a complete cytogenetic response where the BCR-ABL gene is no longer detected.

February 5

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