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Got skin whitening as a side effect of Gleevec. Will this go away?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have CML-CP. I am on Gleevec for the last year. My query is about skin whitening as it has turned too white. Will this side effect go away?
Answered by Dr. Prasad Eswaran

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prasad Eswaran is an Oncologist who obtained his MBBS degree in 2004, DMRT degree in 2006, MD in 2008, and DM in Oncology in 2014 from The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. With 19 years of experience, he is currently practicing in MIOT Hospital, an international multi-specialty hospital in Chennai.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  1. Skin whitening is technically called hypopigmentation. This is the usual side effect of Gleevec (Imatinib) and is usually harmless.
  2. Usually, it is reversible once the drug is stopped. However, evidence for stopping the drug is limited and no consensus exists on drug cessation when cured of CML (chronic myeloid leukemia).

I would suggest you consult an oncologist about drug cessation if you are in complete molecular remission as evaluated by the BCR-ABL test and completed a minimum of five to eight years of therapy.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 18, 2016
Reviewed At June 5, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prasad Eswaran is an Oncologist who obtained his MBBS degree in 2004, DMRT degree in 2006, MD in 2008, and DM in Oncology in 2014 from The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. With 19 years of experience, he is currently practicing in MIOT Hospital, an international multi-specialty hospital in Chennai.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

Imatinib Hypopigmentation Companion

How it works

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a medication used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Skin whitening, also known as hypopigmentation, is a known side effect. Here's what you need to know.

1

Hypopigmentation
Detail

2

Imatinib
Effect

3

Imatinib
Induced

4

Might
Drug

5

CML
Basics

6

Consulting
Oncologist

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Prasad Eswaran
Dr. Prasad Eswaran

Medical oncology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prasad Eswaran is an Oncologist who obtained his MBBS degree in 2004, DMRT degree in 2006, MD in 2008, and DM in Oncology in 2014 from The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. With 19 years of experience, he is currently practicing in MIOT Hospital, an international multi-specialty hospital in Chennai.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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Got skin whitening as a side effect of Gleevec. Will this go away?

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