Jump to content


Photo

Is generic imatinib less effective than Gleevec?


  • Please log in to reply
1 reply to this topic

#1 Red Cross Kirk

Red Cross Kirk

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 173 posts
  • LocationOregon

Posted 18 January 2018 - 02:51 PM

Just got back from the onc.  It looks like I may be changing to Sprycel. On the way home I was wondering why my recent PCR results have been trending up.  I think he said my blood draw from last week had a preliminary result of 0.2???%.  I changed over to generic in the middle of last year.  Is it just a coincidence?  I suppose there's no way to really know, unless I went back to Gleevec at the same dose for six months or more.

 

Oh well, here's hoping that BMS comes through with some good copay assistance!


Kirk

 

9/25/2012  p210 transcript 118.7% IS @ Dx, begin Gleevec 400mg/day
12/2012  3.59% & bone marrow biopsy - no residual myeloproliferative features but detected 1/20 metaphases containing the Philadelphia chromosome
2013  0.914%, 0.434%, 0.412%
10/2013  0.360% & bone marrow biopsy - normal male karyotype with no evidence of a clonal cytogenetic abnormaltiy
2014  0.174%, 0.088%, 0.064%

2015  0.049%, decrease to Gleevec 200mg/day, 0.035%, 0.061%, 0.028%

2016  0.041%, 0.039%, 0.025%

2017  0.029%, 0.039%, switched to generic imatinib 200mg/day, 0.070%, 0.088%

2018  0.233%


#2 Buzzm1

Buzzm1

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 972 posts
  • LocationSilicon Valley

Posted 18 January 2018 - 03:07 PM

Imatinib Mesylate is the therapeutic form of GLEEVEC® for the approved labeled indications. The FDA requires that generic medications contain the same active ingredient as the brand name drug, and that they provide the same safety and efficacy.


For the benefit of yourself and others please add your CML history into your Signature

 

02/2010 Gleevec 400mg

2011 Two weakly positives, PCRU, weakly positive

2012 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU

2013 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, weakly positive

2014 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU (12/07 began dose reduction w/each continuing PCRU)

2015 300, 250, 200, 150

2016 100, 50/100, 100, 10/17 TFR

2017 01/17 TFR, 04/18 TFR, 07/18 TFR 0.0012, 08/29 TFR 0.001, 10/17 TFR 0.000

2018 01/16 TFR 0.0004 ... next quarterly PCR 04/17

 

At the earliest opportunity, and whenever possible, lower your TKI dosage; TKIs are toxic drugs and the less we take longterm the better off we are going to be ... this is especially true for older adults.  

 

In hindsight I should have started my dosage reduction two years earlier; it might have helped minimize some of the longterm cumulative toxic effects of TKIs that I am beset with.  

 

longterm side-effects Peripheral Artery Disease - legs (it's a bitch); continuing shoulder problems, right elbow inflammation.   GFR and creatinine vastly improved after stopping Gleevec.

 

Cumulative Gleevec dosage estimated at 830 grams

 

Taking Gleevec 400mg an hour after my largest meal of the day helped eliminate the nausea that Gleevec is notorious for.  

 

Trey's CML BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt





1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users