Specialty Pharmacy Services
Gleevec (imatinib)
Oral Tablet · Once or Twice Daily
Gleevec (imatinib) is a targeted therapy used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Accord Specialty Pharmacy provides Gleevec with prior authorization support, copay assistance coordination, and doorstep delivery.
Drug at a Glance
- Drug Class Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)
- Generic Name Imatinib mesylate
- Brand Name Gleevec®
- Route Oral tablet, once or twice daily
- Manufacturer Novartis (brand) / multiple generics
Clinically Reviewed By · Accord Clinical Team, PharmD, RPh
Gleevec (Imatinib) at a Glance
| Feature | Gleevec (Imatinib) |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Imatinib mesylate |
| Brand Name | Gleevec® |
| Drug Class | Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) |
| FDA Approved For | CML, GIST, Ph+ ALL, DFSP, and several rare hematologic conditions |
| FDA Approved (Year) | 2001 |
| Dosage Form | Oral tablet, once or twice daily, with food and a large glass of water |
| Available Generic | Yes |
| Specialty Pharmacy Required | Often required by insurance |
| Prior Authorization | Frequently required |
| Copay Assistance Available | Yes, for eligible commercially insured patients |
| Home Delivery | Available through Accord Specialty Pharmacy |
FDA-Approved Uses
What Gleevec (Imatinib) Is Used For
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
CMLCML is a blood and bone marrow cancer caused by the Philadelphia chromosome, which produces the BCR-ABL fusion protein driving abnormal white blood cell growth. Gleevec was the first drug to demonstrate that targeting BCR-ABL could transform CML management.1,2
- Newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase (adult and pediatric)
- Advanced-phase CML (accelerated phase or blast crisis)
- CML in chronic phase after failed interferon-alpha therapy
- Pediatric Ph+ CML recurring after stem cell transplant
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
GISTGIST originates in the gastrointestinal tract and is most commonly driven by a c-Kit gene mutation. Gleevec is considered standard first-line targeted therapy for this diagnosis.2,3
- Unresectable or metastatic Kit-positive GIST
- Adjuvant therapy after complete surgical resection of a primary GIST
Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL
Ph+ ALLPh+ ALL is an aggressive leukemia that carries the same BCR-ABL mutation as CML. It progresses rapidly and requires prompt treatment.2
- Adult patients with relapsed or refractory Ph+ ALL
- Newly diagnosed pediatric patients with Ph+ ALL (in combination with chemotherapy)
Rare Hematologic Conditions
MDS/MPD · ASM · HES/CELGleevec is approved for several rare blood disorders where specific molecular targets, including PDGFR rearrangements, c-Kit mutations, and related abnormalities, make imatinib an effective option. Molecular testing is typically required to confirm eligibility.2
- Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) with PDGFR rearrangements
- Aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without D816V c-Kit mutation or unknown mutational status
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (HES/CEL) with specific molecular characteristics
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
DFSP — ADULTDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slow-growing soft-tissue sarcoma that begins in the skin. Gleevec is approved for adults with DFSP that cannot be surgically removed, or that has come back or spread, driven by a specific PDGFR-related molecular change.2
- Adults with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic DFSP
Your oncologist is the right person to determine which indication applies to your diagnosis and how Gleevec fits into your treatment plan. Learn more about chronic myeloid leukemia from the National Cancer Institute ↗, or read about Oncology specialty pharmacy services →
What Is Gleevec (Imatinib)?
Gleevec (imatinib) is one of the most significant advances in cancer pharmacology of the past several decades. When it received FDA approval in 2001, it represented the first targeted cancer therapy to successfully block a specific molecular pathway driving cancer cell growth, fundamentally changing the long-term outlook for patients with certain blood cancers and tumors.1
Imatinib works by blocking several abnormal proteins — primarily BCR-ABL, c-Kit, and PDGFR — that signal cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. By targeting these specific proteins rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells, it is able to slow or stop cancer growth while generally preserving healthy tissue.2 Gleevec is taken as a tablet once or twice daily and must be taken with food and a large glass of water. For patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, Gleevec can be dissolved in water or apple juice.2
Because Gleevec requires careful monitoring and ongoing coordination, it is dispensed through specialty pharmacies. Accord manages the process between your oncologist, your insurance plan, and the patient support programs that help make treatment accessible. Learn how Accord supports patients →
Gleevec Side Effects and What to Watch For
Like all specialty oncology medications, Gleevec and imatinib can cause side effects. Your oncologist will review what to watch for before you begin treatment, and regular blood and liver monitoring is a standard part of therapy.
Among the most commonly reported Gleevec side effects is fluid retention and edema, a swelling most frequently occurring around the eyes or in the lower limbs. This is one of the most characteristic side effects of imatinib therapy.2 Most cases are manageable with dose adjustments or supportive care, but severe fluid retention should be reported to your oncologist promptly. Other frequently reported imatinib side effects, each occurring in roughly a third or more of patients in clinical trials, include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Taking Gleevec with food helps reduce nausea and GI irritation.2 If anything concerns you while taking Gleevec, call Accord's pharmacy team at 1-855-222-6730.
Frequently Reported2
- Fluid retention and edema (most characteristic, commonly around the eyes or lower limbs) — your weight is checked regularly, and unexpected rapid weight gain should be reported promptly
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (take with food and a full glass of water to reduce)
- Muscle cramps and musculoskeletal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
Blood and Lab Monitoring2
- Complete blood count (CBC): white blood cells and platelets monitored regularly during treatment
- Liver function tests (transaminases, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase): checked before starting treatment and monthly thereafter — liver injury has been reported and can be severe, including rare fatal cases
- Tumor lysis syndrome: cases, including fatal cases, have been reported in patients with CML, GIST, ALL, and eosinophilic leukemia — your oncologist will assess your risk and monitor closely, especially early in treatment
Pediatric Considerations2
- Growth retardation reported in children and adolescents: height and weight should be monitored throughout treatment
- Standard CBC and liver function monitoring applies equally to pediatric patients on Gleevec
Prior Authorization for Gleevec (Imatinib)
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before covering Gleevec. Prior authorization is a process where your oncologist submits clinical documentation confirming that Gleevec is medically necessary — typically including your diagnosis, relevant molecular or cytogenetic testing results confirming the appropriate mutation or marker, and your treatment history.
When Accord receives your referral, we contact your oncologist's office to gather what your insurance plan requires, submit the prior authorization request, and follow up until a decision is reached. If your plan issues a denial, we work alongside your oncologist to build a formal appeal with the additional clinical documentation needed to support your case. Information for prescribers →
Prior Authorization Process
Documentation
We request clinical records and diagnosis confirmation from your oncologist
PA Submission
Prior authorization submitted to your insurance plan with full clinical documentation
Plan Decision
Approval issued, or denial received — timelines vary by payer
Appeal if Denied
We build a formal appeal with your oncologist to support your case
Note on appeals: A denial is not necessarily final. Many initially denied requests for Gleevec are approved on formal appeal. Our team manages this process alongside your oncologist at no additional burden to your care team.
Gleevec Cost & Financial Assistance
Gleevec cost at list price is substantial, but several programs exist to reduce what patients actually pay. Our team reviews your coverage and identifies every program you qualify for before your first fill — reach out before assuming this medication is out of reach.
Commercially Insured — Brand
Novartis Universal Co-Pay Card
$0 as low as, per prescription
Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per fill. Call 1-866-GLEEVEC (1-866-453-3832) or ask our team to handle enrollment on your behalf.4
Commercially Insured — Generic
Teva Imatinib Copay Card
$0 as low as, per prescription
Teva's copay card covers its specific generic imatinib product for eligible commercially insured patients. Not available to uninsured or government-insured patients.5
Uninsured
Generic + Discount Program
~$80–$120 per month at select pharmacies
The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation discontinued free Gleevec coverage in January 2025. Generic imatinib with a discount program is often the most affordable path for uninsured patients today. Our team can help identify the best option.5
Medicare
Independent Foundation Assistance
Up to $6,500 per year via HealthWell Foundation (eligible CML patients)
Manufacturer copay programs are not available for Medicare patients. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, and Good Days may all provide assistance. The Part D out-of-pocket cap of $2,100/yr (2026) also meaningfully limits annual costs.6
Have questions about your specific coverage? Call 1-855-222-6730 or contact us online to discuss your options. Our team identifies what you qualify for and assists with enrollment.
Getting Started
What to Expect with Accord
Referral Sent
Your oncologist sends a referral to Accord by fax or online referral form.
Insurance Verified
We confirm your coverage, benefits, and any cost-sharing requirements.
Prior Authorization
We submit clinical documentation and manage the PA process on your behalf.
Financial Assistance
We identify programs that may fit your situation and help connect you to the right resources.
Doorstep Delivery
Your medication ships directly to your door in states where Accord is licensed.
Have Questions About Gleevec?
Common Questions About Gleevec (Imatinib)
Does Accord Specialty Pharmacy carry Gleevec (imatinib)?
Yes. Accord is a licensed specialty pharmacy that dispenses both brand Gleevec and generic imatinib. We manage prior authorization, financial assistance coordination, and doorstep delivery in states where Accord holds an active pharmacy license.
How do I transfer my Gleevec prescription to Accord?
Your oncologist can send a referral directly to Accord using our referral form, or by faxing to 386-456-3000. You can also call us at 1-855-222-6730 and our team will walk you through the transfer process.
Is there a generic version of Gleevec?
Yes. Generic imatinib is FDA-approved and widely available from multiple manufacturers. It contains the same active ingredient as brand Gleevec and meets FDA standards for bioequivalence.7 For many patients, generic imatinib is significantly less expensive than brand Gleevec, particularly with discount programs applied. Call us at 1-855-222-6730 to discuss which option makes sense for your coverage.
Is there a Gleevec coupon or imatinib copay assistance program?
Yes. Both brand Gleevec and Teva's generic imatinib have manufacturer copay programs for eligible commercially insured patients, with the potential to pay as little as $0 per fill.4,5 For patients on Medicare or Medicaid, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and HealthWell Foundation may provide additional assistance.6 Our team identifies what you qualify for and assists with the enrollment process. Call us at 1-855-222-6730 to get started.
Is Gleevec used to treat GIST?
Yes. Gleevec (imatinib) is a standard treatment for Kit-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It is approved both for unresectable or metastatic GIST and as adjuvant therapy following complete surgical removal of a primary GIST to reduce the risk of recurrence.2,3
How long does prior authorization take for Gleevec?
Timelines vary by insurance plan. Our team begins working on your prior authorization as soon as we receive your referral and follows up proactively with your insurance plan. We keep both you and your oncologist updated throughout the process.
What if my insurance denies Gleevec?
A denial is not final. Our team works with your oncologist to submit a formal appeal with the additional clinical documentation needed to support your case. Many initially denied requests are approved on appeal.
Is Gleevec a chemotherapy drug?
Gleevec (imatinib) is a targeted therapy, specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, rather than traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It works by blocking specific proteins that drive cancer cell growth rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells. In some settings, particularly for Ph+ ALL, Gleevec is prescribed alongside conventional chemotherapy as part of a combination regimen.2 Your oncologist can explain exactly how imatinib is being used in your specific treatment plan.
What is the difference between Gleevec and Sprycel?
Both Gleevec (imatinib) and Sprycel (dasatinib) are BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML. Gleevec was the first approved therapy in this class and established the modern standard of care. Sprycel is a second-generation TKI, more potent against BCR-ABL and active against most imatinib-resistant mutations, making it a common next step for patients whose CML stops responding to Gleevec.2 Both drugs have distinct side effect profiles, and your oncologist is best positioned to determine which is appropriate. Accord dispenses both medications.
Is Gleevec approved for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)?
Yes. Gleevec is approved for adults with DFSP, a rare, slow-growing skin sarcoma, when it cannot be surgically removed or when it has come back or spread. Response rates in clinical studies have been notably high, and in some cases treatment has shrunk the tumor enough to allow surgical removal afterward.2 Dosing for DFSP is different from CML dosing. Your oncologist will determine the appropriate dose for your situation.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Gleevec?
If you take Gleevec once daily and miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember if it has been less than 12 hours since your regular dose time. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.2 Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have questions about a missed dose, call our pharmacists at 1-855-222-6730 or check with your oncologist.
Does Gleevec interact with other medications?
Yes, and it is important to tell your care team about everything you take. Gleevec can interact with a number of medications processed by the same liver enzymes, and it can delay how the body clears high-dose methotrexate, which is sometimes used together with imatinib in ALL treatment regimens.2 Give our pharmacy team and your oncologist a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements before starting Gleevec and any time a new medication is added.
For Patients
Ready to Get Started?
Our team coordinates everything — insurance verification, prior authorization, financial assistance, and delivery. Call us or ask your oncologist to send a referral, and we take it from there.
Call 1-855-222-6730For Oncologists & Prescribers
Refer a Patient to Accord
Download the Gleevec referral form, complete all sections, and fax to 386-456-3000. We confirm receipt within one business day and manage prior authorization on your behalf.
Download Referral FormReferences (7)
- National Cancer Institute. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment (PDQ) — Patient Version. National Institutes of Health. cancer.gov
- Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) Prescribing Information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- National Cancer Institute. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Treatment (PDQ) — Patient Version. National Institutes of Health. cancer.gov
- Novartis Oncology. Universal Co-Pay Program for Gleevec. copay.novartisoncology.com
- Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Imatinib Mesylate Tablets Copay Card. tevausa.com
- American Society of Hematology. Access Programs for Imatinib. hematology.org
- Drugs.com. Generic Gleevec (imatinib) Availability. drugs.com