Gleevec (imatinib mesylate)
Novartis; generics widely available · BCR-ABL / KIT / PDGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
What is Gleevec? Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) was the first targeted oncology therapy to transform cancer treatment, dramatically improving outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and GIST. It inhibits BCR-ABL, KIT, and PDGFR kinases.
About Gleevec
| Brand Name | Gleevec |
| Generic / INN | imatinib mesylate |
| Drug Class | BCR-ABL / KIT / PDGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Novartis; generics widely available |
| Administration | Oral capsule or tablet |
| FDA Approval | 2001 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Gleevec
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) — all phases (chronic, accelerated, blast)
- Newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (Ph+ ALL)
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) with PDGFR rearrangements
- Aggressive systemic mastocytosis without D816V KIT mutation
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia with FIP1L1-PDGFRA rearrangement
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) — unresectable or recurrent
- Kit (CD117)-positive unresectable and/or metastatic GIST
- Adjuvant GIST after resection
How Does Gleevec Work?
Imatinib competitively inhibits the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase — the constitutively active kinase created by the Philadelphia chromosome translocation that drives CML. It also inhibits KIT (important for GIST) and PDGFR (important for MDS/MPD and DFSP). By blocking these kinases, imatinib halts tumor cell proliferation.
Dosage & Administration
CML (chronic phase): 400 mg orally once daily. GIST: 400 mg once daily (600 mg or 800 mg for some). Other indications: per FDA prescribing information. Take with food and large glass of water to reduce GI irritation.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Fluid retention/edema — can be severe including pleural effusion and heart failure. Hematologic toxicity (cytopenias). Hepatotoxicity. Cardiac toxicity (left ventricular dysfunction). GI perforation. Fetal harm.
- Severe fluid retention (pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, cardiac failure)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Hematologic toxicity
- Cardiac toxicity
- GI perforation
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Fluid retention/edema
- Muscle cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Abdominal pain
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Gleevec is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Gleevec. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D covers this oral specialty medication. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Gleevec
Gleevec was the first targeted cancer therapy to dramatically transform outcomes — particularly in CML and GIST. It blocks the BCR-ABL kinase in CML, the KIT kinase in GIST, and PDGFR in other malignancies.
Yes. Generic imatinib mesylate is widely available from multiple manufacturers. The original brand Gleevec is still available from Novartis.
Before imatinib (approved 2001), chronic-phase CML was treated with interferon and had a poor prognosis. Imatinib transformed CML from a life-threatening disease to one where most patients achieve deep molecular remission and near-normal life expectancy.
Generic imatinib is covered by Medicare Part D and commercial insurance. Prior authorization is typically required.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Gleevec (imatinib) · Sprycel (dasatinib) · Tasigna (nilotinib) · Qinlock (ripretinib) · Ayvakit (avapritinib)
Related Conditions
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) · GIST · Ph+ ALL · Systemic mastocytosis