Is there a generic for Gleevec?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 26, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

Yes, there is a generic version of Gleevec known as imatinib mesylate. Imatinib comes in a 100-mg and 400-mg oral tablet.
Generic imatinib was approved in the U.S. in Dec. 2015 and was first manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals. Today, there are multiple manufacturers that produce the generic version of Gleevec.
Imkeldi, an oral solution of imatinib first approved in November 2024, does not yet have a generic option.
Imatinib is a prescription medicine used to treat various leukemias (blood cancers) and other related diseases.

In November 2024, the FDA approved a new formulation of imatinib known as Imkeldi. Imkeldi is a strawberry flavored oral solution that may be more convenient for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or who require specific dosing tailored to body surface area, but it is not yet available as a generic product.

For patients unable to swallow the Gleevec film-coated tablets, the tablets may be dispersed in a glass of water or apple juice. Ask your healthcare provider first if this can be done with your dose and how to dissolve the tablets. Learn more by reviewing the Gleevec dosage.

How much does imatinib (Gleevec) cost?

The cash price for a 30-day supply of 400 mg tablets using a freely available online coupon is around $142.00. Imatinib is also available as a 100 mg tablet that costs $100.00 for 30 tablets. Prices for imatinib will vary based on where you live and which pharmacy you visit. Coupon prices are for those paying cash and are not valid with insurance plans.

This imatinib price is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.

Check with your prescription insurance company to determine if imatinib is covered under your plan. Generic medications are usually preferred by insurance companies if they are available.

Novartis, the manufacturer of Gleevec, can offer cost assistance through copay coupons and patient assistance programs for the brand name drug, if you qualify. People with commercial insurance who are eligible may pay $25 per prescription with a maximum savings of $15,000 per calendar year. Eligibility requirements vary for each program.

For more information contact Novartis at 1-877-577-7756.

What does imatinib treat?

Imatinib (Gleevec, Imkeldi) is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancer), bone marrow disorders, skin cancers and certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system, such as:

chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukemia (Ph+ CML)
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
myelodysplastic / myeloproliferative diseases (MDS / MPD)
aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM)
dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
hypereosinophilic syndrome and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia
gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

This is not all the information you need to know about imatinib (Gleevec, Imkeldi) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Imkeldi (imatinib) [product information]. 11/2024. Shorla Oncology. Accessed Nov 26, 2024 at https://shorlaoncology.com/pdf/Imkeldi_PrescribingInformation.pdf
Drugs@FDA. Imatinib. US Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Nov 26, 2024 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
DailyMed. US National Library of Medicine. NIH. Accessed Nov 26, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=imatinib&audience=consumer
Gleevec (imatinib). 3/2024. Patient information online. Accessed Nov 26, 2024 at https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/gleevec_tabs.pdf

How does Gleevec (imatinib) work?

Gleevec, known generically as imatinib, works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain cancer cells. Gleevec inhibits (or blocks) specific enzymes in the body called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases are involved in many cell functions, including cell signaling (communication), growth, and division. Blocking these enzymes may help to slow cancer growth. Continue reading

Can I take Gleevec while pregnant?

No, you should NOT take Gleevec (generic name: imatinib) if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Taking Gleevec while you are pregnant could harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 14 days after your last dose. Use a birth control method that results in a less than 1% pregnancy rate. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for medical advice in relation to drug use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

In November 2024, a new formulation of imatinib (the active ingredient in Gleevec tablets), was approved by the FDA. The new formulation is an oral solution known as Imkeldi. Imkeldi has the same pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings and precautions as Gleevec. Continue reading

What is CAR T-cell therapy and how does it work?

CAR T-cell therapy is a personalized treatment that uses a patient's own immune cells to fight certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. By harnessing and reprogramming a patient’s own immune cells, this therapy offers a new option for those who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Is there a generic for Gleevec?

Key Points

How much does imatinib (Gleevec) cost?

Related questions

What does imatinib treat?

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How does Gleevec (imatinib) work?

Can I take Gleevec while pregnant?

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