10 replies to this topic

[tiredblood]

With Tasigna and its quirks, I knew what I could and shouldn't take with it and to wait like two hours before taking Pepcid, etc Now that I'm on gleevec, all I know is to take my once daily dose with my largest meal. Are there any drugs I should avoid or take opposite hours of Gleevec? I have been prescribed an NSAID and cyclobenzaprine.

[gerry]

From https://www.drugs.co...=758-0,1321-787

 

Imatinib may increase the blood levels and effects of cyclobenzaprine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

I used to take the majority of things away from the Gleevec. Have a chat with your doc about the potential for interaction.

[tiredblood]

Thanks for your reply. That is helpful.

[RayT]

I take my Gleevec in the evening well after dinner. I, too, take it opposite all my other meds, which I take first thing each morning. After being on Gleevec for 3 years, I find that I can take it with a light snack with no nausea occurring.

[Buzzm1]

Gleevec 400mg, a full hour after dinner, helped immensely in combating the nausea, along with taking any other meds 12 hours away from it.   Remember, no grapefruit.

[gerry]

You don't need to take Gleevec with your largest meal, take it with whatever meal works for you - I used to take mine with breakfast due to the fluid retention issues I had at night. I did experience a little bit of nausea in the morning, but my doc gave me a script for Maxalon, which I took whenever it was particularly bad. Maxalon can make you a bit tired as it is also a muscle relaxant, so you may need something different since you are already on a muscle relaxant. Plus I also had a fluid tablet and Imodium on hand if needed.

[tiredblood]

^{Does Gleevec require the stomach acid to work like Tasigna does?}

^{Thank you all for your helpfulness.}

[campanula]

^{Does Gleevec require the stomach acid to work like Tasigna does?}

^{Thank you all for your helpfulness.}

Yes, it does - I've been told to take any antacid 12 hours before or after Gleevec, if at all.  I am doing without, and am reducing stress as much as possible. 

[hannibellemo]

campanula, 

 

I must disagree. I was taking prilosec at the time of dx and I was told it was fine to take it with Gleevec. Sprycel only requires a 2-hour window for antacids (not proton pump inhibitors which should not be taken with Sprycel - although I know those who do and they are PCRU).

 

Not sure about other TKIs because I have not taken them.

[campanula]

campanula, 

 

I must disagree. I was taking prilosec at the time of dx and I was told it was fine to take it with Gleevec. Sprycel only requires a 2-hour window for antacids (not proton pump inhibitors which should not be taken with Sprycel - although I know those who do and they are PCRU).

 

Not sure about other TKIs because I have not taken them.

Pat - Thanks. I know what you're talking about.  I have noticed that this is somewhat of a "gray area."

 

When I was first diagnosed I had been taking two Prevacids per day for years.  It was not on the "do not take" list for Gleevec users and when I checked online, with the pharmacist and my hem-onc doctor at that time I got somewhat conflicting info.  So I decided to stop taking it (proton pump inhibitor) and switched to calcium carbonate antacids (Tums), which was considered OK by all.  Then I switched docs and now go to a myeloid leukemia specialist who said "no" to all stomach acid reducers, thus my comment above.

 

I never thought I could go off any and all stomach meds, but I have.  There has been some discussion about stress and CML on this forum, and I believe it was a big contributor for me.  So, in the past 9 months since diagnosis, I have focused on stress reduction in a big way, and it seems to be paying off.  I have also tweaked my diet and eating habits a bit.  It's amazing what a little bit of self-behavioral modification can do!

[hannibellemo]

campanula,

 

When I had to go off prilosec in 2009, I had been taking it for over 10 years. I had to stop Gleevec because of severe liver toxicity (ALT/1550, AST/1300) and prilosec, because it is also metabolized in the liver. I panicked because I believed that I could not live without prilosec and I expected all sorts of rebound effects.

 

Nothing happened! It was like why was I ever taking it in the first place? I take 2 tums at bedtime, I do eat fairly early - seldom later then 6 and I eat very little in the way of grains, flour and sugar. It has made all the difference for me.

 

Glad to hear you were able to stop painlessly, too!