Gleevec is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat some types of leukemia and certain intestinal tumors. One of type of leukemia that it is used for is Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, where the body keeps producing abnormal white blood cells. Gleevec works by interfering with the abnormal protein and blocking it from telling the body to make more of the abnormal white blood cells.

Gleevec Side Effects:

Gleevec may cause anxiety, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, increased tear production, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, night sweats, nose and throat irritation, stomach pain or upset, taste changes, tiredness, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and weakness. Some more serious side effects may include joint or muscle pain, severe stomach pain, or severe tiredness or weakness, black or bloody stools, blistered, peeling, reddened, scaling, or swollen skin, bone pain, chest pain, chills, fever, or sore throat, confusion, dark urine, change in the amount of urine produced, depression, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe or persistent headache, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sudden unusual weight gain, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or around the eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision problems, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.