Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Gleevec (Cancer Drug): Risk for Decreased Heart Function

The cancer drug Gleevec may carry a risk for decreased heart function, drug maker Novartis Pharmaceuticals warned on 10/3/06.

Gleevec or "imatinib mesylate" is used to treat adults with a type of blood cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia and a type of cancer of the stomach and bowels known as gastrointestinal stromal tumour.

People who are using Gleevec and have high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease should talk to their doctor about the risks of heart failure, the company said.

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