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Imatinib intolerance

Hi All,

I'm writing on behalf of a friend of mine (not Jed) who's Dad is having some real trouble with imatinib. His dose is being lowered to 300mg to alleviate side effects and this caused me some concern which is why I'm hoping some of you wonderful people may be able to help.

He's developed a pleural effusion and is currently in hospital having IV antibiotics. He can't take diuretics as he has problems with his potassium levels, and to add to it all he has leaky heart valves.

His family is currently trying to get him a referral to see a specialist at Liverpool which I think is an excellent plan.

Is there anything else that the docs should be doing at this stage? What course of treatment shuold be expected?

In this situation what questions should they be asking their doctor to ensure that he's getting the best treatment?

(I'm not sure what his latest PCRs are but I'm sure this will have some bearing on next steps.)

Thanks in advance for any pointers you can give.

Bhiru

dear Bhiru,

I would say that given the complications of underlying heart problems a very quick referral to Prof. Richard Clark- CML specialist at the Royal in Liverpool- would be the best advice.

Potassium levels being low- he should eat foods high in this like bananas and avocados... I assume he is being given potassium supplements by the hospital? Low levels can certainly lead to further heart problems.

Best....
Sandy

Have they done a Glivec level test? If his blood G levels were paricularly high on 400mg - whether because he's a slow clearer or for whatever reason - then that would (i) be a possible reason for the bad side effects and (ii) give comfort that he'd still be on a therapeutic dose even after the reduction to 300mg.
Just a thought.
Phil

I have read your post and as per my ONC and a lot of research that has been done, Tasigma is not recommended for patients with any possibility of heart problems

I am 53 and as Glivic stopped working after 2 years it was suggested that I go onto Tasigma however I have to have an ECG every 6 months

I wish your friend well and hope all works out.

Have a great festive season

"A Moment missed to give is a moment missed to receive"

Hi Everyone, Happy New year !

Its been quite a long time since I last posted on this site thought I'd respond to fish4 with a few questions....
Can I ask if you were first diagnosed two years ago and put straight onto Glivec? (as I was)
If so did Glivec stop working suddenly or did you gradually increase the dose in an effort to maintain your levels.
What dose were you on? and did you experience any side effects.
I am now 52 have been on Glivec for 2 years and although I still struggle with some side effects, mainly tiredness and some discomfort I put down as cramps, I have responded well to the drug. I was on 300mg for about 18month or so due to intollerance and I am now alternating between 3 and 400mg daily. I hope you respond well to the next stage of your treatment.