Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for Imatinib Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or discounted medicines and copay programs to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines. Eligibility requirements vary for each program.
Full Answer
How should I take imatinib mesylate?
Imatinib mesylate is a pill, taken by mouth, once or twice daily. Imatinib mesylate should be taken with a large glass of water, after a meal. The amount of Imatinib mesylate that you will receive depends on many factors, including your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.
Can I take Gleevec ® (imatinib mesylate) If I am pregnant?
Harm to the unborn child can occur when administered to a pregnant woman. Therefore, women should not become pregnant and should be advis ... See More GLEEVEC ® (imatinib mesylate) is available only by prescription. Patients with Ph+ CML in blast crisis (BC ... See More
What is the generic name for imatinib mesylate?
Gleevec is the trade name for the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate. STI-571 is another name for Imatinib Mesylate. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Gleevec or other name STI-571 when referring to the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate. Drug type: Imatinib Mesylate is a targeted therapy.
Where can I buy imatinib?
Valid at all major chains including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Target, WalMart Pharmacy, Duane Reade and 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. Imatinib offers may be in the form of a printable coupon, rebate, savings or copay card, trial offer, or free samples.
How do people afford Gleevec?
Novartis Oncology Universal Co-pay Program – To understand your out-of-pocket costs for Gleevec and to see if you are eligible to pay $10 for a 30-day supply with the Gleevec $10 Co-Pay Card, call 1-866-GLEEVEC (1-866-453-3832) or visit enroll in the Novartis Oncology Universal Co-pay Program.
How do you deal with imatinib?
You have imatinib as a tablet that you swallow whole, with a glass of water after food. If you can't swallow the tablets, you can dissolve them in a glass of mineral water or apple juice. Drop the whole tablets into the fluid, and stir with a spoon until the tablets have broken up completely.
Can you drink alcohol while on imatinib?
The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of imatinib. Imatinib may affect fertility in men. If you plan to have children, discuss this with your doctor before being treated with imatinib.
How can I reduce the side effects of imatinib?
Imatinib sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Also, your doctor may prescribe an additional medication.
Does imatinib affect sleep?
Until recently, imatinib and related drugs for CML, known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), had to be taken every day for life, and the drugs can cause fatigue, depression, disrupted sleep, diarrhea, and other side effects.
Does imatinib make tired?
One of the main side effects of long-term treatment with imatinib is chronic tiredness, also known as fatigue. But fatigue is more than just being tired. It is more a feeling of lassitude, getting tired fast and feeling less efficient.
Does imatinib cause weight gain?
The median weight at the start of imatinib therapy was 76.8 kg (range 49.7-123). There was a statistically significant gain in weight in evaluable patients even at 6 months (P < . 0001), with more than 75% of patients gaining weight (Tables 1 and 2).
Does imatinib cause hair loss?
In most cases, the drug is well tolerated: however, side effects can be seen. Hair loss and paronychia inflammation were often reported with Imatinib, but total alopecia was rarely mentioned. We report a CML patient who was presented with alopecia and paronychia inflammation probably induced by imatinib therapy.
How long can you stay on imatinib?
Optimal duration of therapy is unknown but generally imatinib should be continued for 6–9 months, after which additional tumor shrinkage is usually minor.
Can I drink coffee while taking Gleevec?
during Gleevec use may want to avoid certain foods and beverages (i.e., spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, citrus juice, dairy products, etc.) that may exacerbate these unwanted effects.
Can imatinib cause anxiety?
ables preclude a definite statement of “panic attack is an adverse event with imatinib.” Anxiety as an adverse event of imatinib was reported recently in 7% of patients; however, panic attacks were not mentioned.
What foods should I avoid with chronic myeloid leukemia?
If you're experiencing neutropenia, it's important to avoid raw or undercooked foods to reduce the risk of infection....Foods to avoidhigh fiber foods.high sugar foods.greasy or fatty foods.milk products.spicy foods.sugar-free products sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol.
How long do side effects of imatinib last?
In one study, some people reported bone pain and muscle pain after stopping Gleevec. These side effects went away within 3 months to about 1 year.
How long can you take imatinib?
Optimal duration of therapy is unknown but generally imatinib should be continued for 6–9 months, after which additional tumor shrinkage is usually minor.
Does imatinib cause weight gain?
The median weight at the start of imatinib therapy was 76.8 kg (range 49.7-123). There was a statistically significant gain in weight in evaluable patients even at 6 months (P < . 0001), with more than 75% of patients gaining weight (Tables 1 and 2).
How long does imatinib stay in your system?
Imatinib has a half-life of around 18 hours. A drug's half-life is the time it takes for your body to clear half of a dose of the drug. Because imatinib's half-life is 18 hours, it can be taken once each day for most of its uses.
What is imatinib used for?
Imatinib is a member of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors drug class and is commonly used for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, and others.
How much does imatinib cost?
Imatinib Prices. The cost for imatinib oral tablet 400 mg is around $102 for a supply of 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is the trade name for imatinib mesylate?
Gleevec is the trade name for the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate. STI-571 is another name for Imatinib Mesylate. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Gleevec or other name STI-571 when referring to the generic drug name Imatinib Mesylate.
What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is about identifying other features of cancer cells. Scientists look for specific differences in the cancer cells and the normal cells. This information is used to create a targeted therapy to attack the cancer cells without damaging the normal cells, thus leading to fewer side effects. Each type of targeted therapy works a little bit differently but all interfere with the ability of the cancer cell to grow, divide, repair and/or communicate with other cells.
Does imatinib affect fertility?
Your fertility, meaning your ability to conceive or father a child, may be affected by Imatinib mesylate. Please discuss this issue with your health care provider.
Is there a relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication?
There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.
Is side effect predictable?
Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.
Can you use the same drug for other problems?
Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.
Does imatinib mesylate have CBC?
You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking Imatinib mesylate, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.
Who provides grants for imatinib?
The Health Well Foundation provides grants for patients with insurance who still have trouble affording imatinib. Patients or providers can apply online or call 1-800-675-8416 to speak with a representative.
What is PAF in Novartis?
The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (PAF) can help patients acquire high cost drugs either for free or at reduced process. For help acquiring imatinib, visit the online enrollment page, select imatinib, and fill in the required information.
What is the Patient Advocate Foundation?
The Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial support for insured patients who cannot afford their medications. You can view the eligibility requirements for their co-pay relief program and apply online. For further assistance, please call 1-866-512-3861, option 1 to speak with a representative.
Does Patient Access Network Foundation offer co-pay assistance?
The Patient Access Network Foundation also offers co-pay assistance for patients needing imatinib. Please read the application instructions , and then follow the prompts on the online application .
Program Details
PatientAssistance.com is glad to present this offer finding to you. You will find the program details located through the offer link below.
How To Use
Simply print this page and bring to your local pharmacy. If you have any issues please have the pharmacist call 1-800-577-6484.
Important Note
- The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your …
Uses
- Imatinib is used to treat a type of leukemia (chronic myeloid leukemia or CML) as well as certain intestinal tumors (GISTs).
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling (especially in the legs or around the eyes), or muscle cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: joint/muscle pain, stomach pain, severe weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: tr…
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart disease, lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), other cancer or blood disorders, any allergies. Because this medication and/or your medical condition can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immuni…
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other cancer drugs (e.g., tamoxifen), drugs used for HIV (e.g., efavirenz, indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir), cimetidine, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), anti-seizure medication…
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in amount of urine (severe increase or decrease).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood tests, liver function tests) will be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted.