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water retention?

Hi guys, I'm glad I stumbled upon this forum as I was looking for other side effects of glivac. My mum has been on it for about 3 weeks now. She has been experiencing the frequent runs but we now know its expected. She has been swelling however especially her face. Is this a expected or should we worry Chalky

Hi Chalky,

Welcome to this forum, I hope you will find it helpful as time goes on. Facial swelling or 'peri-orbital oedema' is a very commone side effect of Glivec (imatinib). It was only after I stopped taking it- 11 month after my stem cell transplant in 2003- that I began to notice that my face no longer had the 'glivec look' ;o). So do not worry about this effect- tell your mum to drink lots of fluids (plain water) throughout the day which will support her kidney function. Drinking more water actually lessens this effect. Also if she sleeps with her pillow raised a little it might help. She might find also the she experiences an increase in tears-  as in extra fluid will escape for her eyes which look like tears. This is also a common side effect and nothing to worry abount.

As you- and your mum- go along and you need any other advice please ask.

 

Can I ask how you discovered this forum?

 

Best wishes,

Sandy