What are the side effects of Gleevec (STI571)?
Gleevec (STI571) has been well tolerated in most patients. Most patients feel good and have very few or no side effects. Below are side effects reported so far. Long term side effects will not be known for some time as Gleevec has only been used in human patients since the Summer of 1998. • Fluid retention (electrolyte imbalance, renal problems)…Patients with cardiac (heart) problems who might be adversely effected by fluid retention should be especially cautious, but this needs to be confirmed by the Patients doctor. • Puffiness around the eyes (most common) • Swelling of the ankles • Weight Gain (due to fluid retention) • Retention of fluid in the waist area. • Mild Nausea, Gas and diarrhea…Gleevec (STI571) is a mild stomach irritant. Generally, those patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal problems experience more of these side effects. Some patients experience mild nausea about 1 hour after taking Gleevec (STI571). A few patients experience more severe nausea. Nausea is dec
