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Glivec 800mg

Hi i take 800mg of glivec and i would like to know if this is the maximum amount you can take , as most people seem to take 400 or 600mg
thanks David

Hi David,

You don't say how you came to be taking this dose, or for how long.
Most people are started on 400mg. sometimes progressing to 600mg if insufficient response, and occasionally to 800mg.
When 800mg is prescribed it's usually taken in two separate doses of 400mg, eg 400mg in the morning and 400mg at night.
Do you have any more information regarding your blood counts, bone marrow results etc. These could explain why you're on this dose,also, how long ago were you diagnosed?

Paul

Hi Paul I was diagnosed in Oct 2005.I started taking 400mg at first then it went up to 600mg but this had an effect on my blood count ,which was being checked every two weeks at christies .They put me back to 400mg for about six months and then put me on 800mg which i have been taking for about 12 mths
I am waiting for my bone marrow results which i should get when i have my next blood test on Oct 17

David

Hi David
I suggest that you confirm with your Doctor at your next appointment why you are on Glivec 800mg a day.
Do you know what your last pcr test results are? - whilst most people achieve haematological remission - i.e.normalisation of white cell counts, sometimes, the pcr is slow in responding to Glivec and higher doses are tried.
The pcr will be an indicator of residual disease, it is a very sensitive test, and will assist plans for future treatment.
There should be a downward trend in pcr readings - some people do achieve 0 pcr(a complete molecular response) but most get a significant decrease from diagnosis which is called a major molecular response.
You will need to know whether your pcr is reducing / has reduced from diagnosis.
Best wishes for your next appointment

Paul

Paul