CML Alliance | Managing Glivec® Side Effects: Information For Patients Taking Glivec For CML

CML Alliance | Managing Glivec® Side Effects: Information For Patients Taking Glivec For CML

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Managing the side effects that may occur during treatment with Glivec

Side effects from Glivec treatment are usually mild to moderate and can generally be managed while continuing treatment.

However a number of rare but more serious side effects have been reported by patients taking Glivec. Refer to Full PI for more information.

The most common side effects that have been reported by patients taking Glivec are:

fluid retention
nausea and vomiting
indigestion
diarrhea
painful joints
muscle cramps
itchy skin or rash
headache

Fluid retention

Fluid retention can result in swelling of the fingers and ankles, and general weight gain. The swelling is usually most noticeable in the morning. Swelling around the eyes (periorbital edema) may be seen. It may also occur on its own without fluid retention without fluid retention appearing anywhere else in the body.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

To reduce fluid retention, patients should try to eat a diet that is low in salt and sodium, and avoid eating processed foods whenever possible, as these often have a high salt content.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting most often occur if Glivec is not taken with or after a main meal. For example, taking Glivec after a light breakfast of tea and toast may not be enough.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

CML patients should take Glivec with or after a main meal and with a large glass of water – at least half a pint.
If a patient is taking more than one Glivec tablet a day, he or she needs to take them at different times of the day.
CML Patients should take Glivec at least two hours before bedtime.

Indigestion

Another side effect experienced by some patients receiving Glivec is indigestion.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

To reduce the chance of getting indigestion, CML patients should take Glivec with a meal and a large glass of water – at least half a pint. Indigestion is usually mild but if it persists physicians may recommend an over-the-counter medication.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of taking Glivec. It may occur regularly or just after eating certain kinds of meals, such as spicy foods.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

It may help to watch what patients eat and change diet accordingly.
Although anti-diarrhea medication that is available over-the-counter may help to control or prevent diarrhea, patients should consult their physician before taking any medications that have not been prescribed.

Pain in joints

Pain in joints may also occur sometimes as a Glivec side effect. This is most common at the start of treatment. It usually occurs during the first week and may last for up to a few months. It may get better with time.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

CML patients should tell their physician if they experience pain in muscles, bones or joints.
Caution is advised when taking Glivec with acetaminophen or paracetamol. Patients should not take over-the-counter pain medicine without consulting their physician first.

Muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are quite common with patients starting treatment with Glivec but often wear off after some weeks.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

Using direct heat from a heated wrap has helped some patients. Patients should talk to their physician or nurse about other recommendations that might be helpful to try.

Itchy skin or rash

Patients may experience a mild skin irritation, which may be more likely to occur during the first month of treatment. Also, some patients find they burn more easily in the sun.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

Physicians may prescribe an additional medication such as an antihistamine tablet or cream or a corticosteroid cream. To avoid sunburn, patients should be sure to cover up and always use a high-factor sun cream whenever they go out in the sun.

Headache

Headache has been reported in some patients receiving Glivec. Headaches are usually mild to moderate.

Tips to help manage this Glivec side effect:

Caution is advised when taking Glivec with acetaminophen or paracetamol. Patients should not take over-the-counter pain medicine without consulting their physician first.

Blood and liver monitoring

During treatment with Glivec, CML patients need to have regular blood tests to help monitor their condition. These tests are for measuring blood counts and checking liver function.

See European Summary of Product Characteristics

Glivec® 100 mg film coated tablets (PDF)

Glivec® 400 mg film coated tablets (PDF)

Glivec® 50 mg capsules, hard (PDF)

Glivec® 100 mg capsules, hard (PDF)

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Disclaimer: This site is intended to provide information to healthcare professionals outside the United States. Please note that not all products listed within this site may be available in all countries. Also, prescribing information and indications for products may differ from country to country, so please consult your local Novartis company for local prescribing and any other information you may be interested in.