Gleevec and Alcohol Interaction
Gleevec and Alcohol
Gleevec generic name imatinib belongs to the family of drugs that interfere with the growth of some cancer cells and is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. It is also used to treat certain tumors of the stomach and digestive system.
Do not use this drug if you are pregnant as birth defects in the baby could occur.
It is suggested that you not drink alcohol while using Gleevec as the side effects may be greatly increased.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
Do not use this drug if you are allergic to it.
Before starting this drug advise your physician if you are allergic to any drug or substance, have liver disease, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, if you take warfarin or any other blood thinner or if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are mild nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, muscle or joint pain, mild skin rash, headache, dizziness, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, depression, sleep problems or tired feeling. If these occur contact your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, fever, sore throat, headache with severe blistering, peeling, red skin rash, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, jaundice, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, black, bloody, tarry stools, coughing up granular blood, pale skin, bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, short of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, changes in urination, sudden, severe headache or pain behind the eyes. If these occur seek emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Gleevec and alcohol Gleevec and alcohol
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