Apply for Gleevec (Imatinib Mesylate) Copay Card & Copay Assistance | QuickRx

Yes, completely free. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy provides free enrollment and support for all Gleevec copay card programs and imatinib copay assistance programs including manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs. We never charge service fees for helping patients access medication savings.

What’s included at no cost:

• Application assistance for Gleevec manufacturer copay cards
• Generic imatinib copay card enrollment
• Insurance verification and benefit checks
• Prior authorization support when needed
• Foundation grant applications for cancer treatment
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous savings

Gleevec (imatinib) savings programs available:

For patients with commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards for Gleevec or generic imatinib can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

For Medicare and Medicaid patients, foundation-based assistance programs provide grants that help cover medication expenses. These programs are also free to apply for with QuickRx’s help.

For uninsured patients, the Gleevec patient assistance program may provide imatinib at no cost or significantly reduced prices based on financial need.

Our team’s only goal is to make Gleevec (imatinib) more affordable so you can focus on your cancer treatment without financial stress.

Eligibility for Gleevec copay assistance or imatinib copay card programs depends on your insurance type and your financial situation. QuickRx helps determine which programs you qualify for at no cost.

Eligibility criteria for Gleevec copay cards:

Commercial insurance patients with coverage for Gleevec (imatinib) typically qualify for manufacturer copay cards. Requirements usually include:

• Active commercial (private) health insurance that covers Gleevec or imatinib
• Valid prescription for imatinib mesylate
• Treatment for FDA-approved indications (CML, Ph+ ALL, GIST, or other approved uses)
• US residency

Alternative assistance for other insurance types:

Medicare and Medicaid patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards due to federal regulations, but may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed for government insurance beneficiaries.

Uninsured patients may qualify for the Gleevec patient assistance program that provides free or low-cost imatinib based on household income and financial need.

How QuickRx determines your eligibility:

When you contact QuickRx, we review your insurance coverage, prescription details, and financial situation to identify every Gleevec (imatinib) assistance program you qualify for. We then handle all applications and enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

Savings vary by insurance type and the assistance programs you qualify for. QuickRx works to maximize your savings through all available Gleevec copay assistance programs.

Potential Gleevec (imatinib) copay assistance savings:

With commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards can reduce your Gleevec copay significantly. Annual savings limits vary by program.

With Medicare or Medicaid, foundation grants and patient assistance programs help cover medication costs that government insurance doesn’t pay. Grant amounts vary by foundation and availability of funds.

For uninsured patients, the Gleevec patient assistance program may provide imatinib at no cost if you meet income eligibility requirements.

Why savings amounts vary:

Your actual savings depend on:

• Your insurance plan’s coverage and cost-sharing structure
• Whether you receive brand Gleevec or generic imatinib
• Annual benefit caps on copay assistance programs
• Foundation funding availability at the time of application
• Your household income (for patient assistance programs)

Yes, Medicare patients can access Gleevec (imatinib) financial assistance, but not through manufacturer copay cards. Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs for cancer medications.

Why Medicare patients can’t use Gleevec copay cards:

Federal anti-kickback laws prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from offering copay cards to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This applies to both brand Gleevec and generic imatinib copay cards.

Alternative assistance for Medicare patients:

QuickRx connects Medicare patients with alternative Gleevec copay assistance programs including:

• Independent charitable foundations that provide grants for cancer medications
• Disease-specific foundations focused on leukemia and GIST
• The Gleevec patient assistance program for qualifying patients
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) where available

How QuickRx helps Medicare patients:

Our team specializes in navigating the complex landscape of Medicare Part D coverage for specialty medications like Gleevec (imatinib). We help you:

• Understand your Medicare Part D plan’s coverage for imatinib
• Apply for foundation grants to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
• Navigate the Medicare donut hole (coverage gap)
• Complete patient assistance program applications if you qualify

Don’t let Medicare restrictions prevent you from affording your Gleevec medication. Call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to explore all available assistance options.

We believe that high deductibles and copays shouldn’t prevent anyone from receiving the medications they need. That’s why at QuickRx, we offer a Copay Assistance Program for Gleevec and Imatinib.

This is designed to help patients reduce their copays and out-of-pocket costs for their medication. Our program partners with various foundations and manufacturer assistance programs to help make a patient’s medication affordable.

If you’re struggling to afford Gleevec (imatinib), QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy can help you access financial assistance programs regardless of your insurance situation. We specialize in finding solutions for patients who cannot afford their cancer medications.

Financial assistance options by insurance type:

With commercial insurance:

• Gleevec copay card programs
• Generic imatinib copay assistance
• Disease-specific foundation grants for cancer

With Medicare or Medicaid:

• Independent charitable foundation grants
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs
• Gleevec patient assistance program (if eligible)
• Medicare Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy programs

Without insurance:

• Gleevec patient assistance program providing free medication
• Foundation grants for uninsured patients
• Assistance finding affordable insurance coverage

Emergency medication access:

If you need your Gleevec (imatinib) medication urgently and cannot afford it, contact QuickRx immediately. We can often expedite applications for emergency assistance programs to ensure you don’t miss doses of your critical cancer medication.

Contact QuickRx urgently at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 if you cannot afford your Gleevec medication. We can help right away.

Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA on May 10, 2001 for treating several types of cancer. It is taken as an oral tablet once or twice daily.

How Gleevec works:

According to the National Cancer Institute, imatinib is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It works by:

• Blocking specific proteins called tyrosine kinases that cause cancer cells to grow and multiply
• Specifically targeting the BCR-ABL protein found in Philadelphia chromosome-positive cancer cells
• Inhibiting the KIT protein in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• Slowing or stopping the progression of certain cancers while minimizing effects on healthy cells

Revolutionary cancer treatment:

Gleevec revolutionized cancer treatment when it was approved in 2001. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Gleevec transformed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for most patients.

Gleevec is not a cure for cancer but is considered a targeted therapy that helps control disease progression when taken continuously as prescribed.

Gleevec (imatinib) is FDA-approved to treat several types of cancer and blood disorders. According to the FDA-approved prescribing information, approved indications include:

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML):

• Newly diagnosed adults and children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML in chronic phase
• CML in blast crisis, accelerated phase, or chronic phase after failure of interferon-alpha therapy

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL):

• Relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL in adults
• Newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL in pediatric patients (in combination with chemotherapy)

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST):

• KIT (CD117)-positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant GIST
• Adjuvant treatment following complete resection of KIT-positive GIST

Other Approved Indications:

• Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases associated with PDGFR gene rearrangements
• Aggressive systemic mastocytosis without D816V c-Kit mutation
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia
• Unresectable, recurrent, and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

QuickRx offers Gleevec copay assistance for all approved indications.

Gleevec (imatinib) is taken as an oral tablet, typically once or twice daily depending on your prescribed dose. Following proper dosing instructions ensures optimal effectiveness and helps minimize side effects.

How to take Gleevec:

• Take with food and water: Always take imatinib with a meal and a large glass of water to reduce stomach irritation
• Swallow whole: Do not crush, break, or chew tablets
• Alternative administration: If you cannot swallow tablets, they may be dissolved in water or apple juice
• Take at the same times each day: Maintain consistent blood levels for best results

Available tablet strengths:

• 100 mg tablets
• 400 mg tablets

If you miss a dose:

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do NOT take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose

Your oncologist will determine the appropriate dose based on your specific condition and response to treatment. Contact QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy at (917) 830-2525 if you have questions about taking Gleevec (imatinib) or need refill reminders.

Like all medications, Gleevec (imatinib) can cause side effects. Most patients tolerate it well, but it’s important to recognize potential problems early. According to the Mayo Clinic:

Common side effects:

These side effects are typically manageable and may improve over time:

• Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Fluid retention: Edema (swelling) particularly around the eyes, legs, and feet
• Musculoskeletal effects: Muscle cramps (commonly in legs, feet, and hands), bone pain, joint pain, muscle aches
• Fatigue: Tiredness and weakness
• Skin rash: Typically appears early in treatment

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

Signs of low blood counts: Fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue, or signs of infection

Signs of liver problems: Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, severe fatigue, right upper abdominal pain

Signs of heart problems: Shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, swelling in legs and ankles

Severe fluid retention: Rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a week) or difficulty breathing

Signs of bleeding: Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe unexplained bruising

Monitoring requirements:

Your doctor will monitor you regularly with complete blood counts (CBC), liver function tests, and regular check-ups to detect any problems early.

Gleevec (imatinib) is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme system and also inhibits this pathway. According to the FDA prescribing information, several important interactions exist:

Foods to avoid:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Can increase imatinib blood levels and potentially increase side effects

Supplements to avoid:

• St. John’s Wort: Can significantly decrease imatinib effectiveness by increasing its metabolism

Medications requiring caution:

CYP3A4 inducers (may reduce imatinib levels):

• Rifampin
• Phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital

CYP3A4 inhibitors (may increase imatinib levels):

• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Clarithromycin

What to discuss with your doctor:

• Complete list of current medications
• Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Herbal products
• History of previous cancer therapies

QuickRx pharmacists provide comprehensive drug interaction screening for all Gleevec (imatinib) patients. Call (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to speak with our specialty pharmacists about medication safety.

The Gleevec package insert can be found on the Gleevec website here.

Gleevec (imatinib) is contraindicated in certain patients. Your doctor will determine if it’s safe for you based on your medical history.

Do NOT take Gleevec if:

• Known hypersensitivity: Severe allergic reactions to imatinib mesylate or any component of the formulation

Use with caution if you have:

• Heart problems: History of heart failure or heart disease
• Liver disease: Liver function monitoring required
• Kidney disease: Dose adjustments may be needed
• Fluid retention issues: May worsen with imatinib

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy: Imatinib may cause harm to a developing fetus. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 days after the final dose
• Breastfeeding: Imatinib and its active metabolite are excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 1 month after the final dose
• Fertility: Discuss fertility preservation options with your healthcare provider before starting treatment

Age considerations:

• Gleevec is approved for both adults and children for certain indications
• Dosing varies based on age, weight, and condition

Yes, generic imatinib mesylate is available. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy dispenses both brand-name Gleevec and generic imatinib, helping you access copay assistance for whichever version your insurance covers.

Brand-name Gleevec:

• Manufactured by Novartis
• Original FDA-approved version (May 2001)
• Manufacturer copay assistance programs available
• Available in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets

Generic imatinib mesylate:

• Multiple FDA-approved generic manufacturers
• Available since 2016 after patent expiration
• Contains same active ingredient (imatinib mesylate)
• Same strengths (100 mg and 400 mg)
• FDA-determined therapeutic equivalence to brand Gleevec

Copay assistance for both versions:

QuickRx helps patients access copay assistance for both brand Gleevec and generic imatinib:

• Brand Gleevec: Manufacturer copay card programs available
• Generic imatinib: Imatinib copay card programs and foundation assistance available

The duration of Gleevec (imatinib) treatment varies depending on your specific condition and response to therapy. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

For Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML):

• Many patients take imatinib indefinitely as long as it continues to work and is well-tolerated
• Some patients who achieve deep, sustained responses may be candidates for treatment discontinuation under careful medical supervision
• Treatment-free remission (TFR) is possible for some patients who meet specific criteria

For Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST):

• For metastatic disease: Often indefinite treatment as long as the medication continues to work
• For adjuvant therapy after surgery: Typically 3 years for high-risk patients

For other conditions:

• Duration depends on disease type, response to treatment, and tolerability
• Your oncologist will determine the appropriate treatment duration

Important considerations:

• Regular blood tests and check-ups are important throughout treatment
• Do not stop taking Gleevec without consulting your doctor
• Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to disease relapse

QuickRx provides ongoing Gleevec copay assistance throughout your treatment journey, regardless of duration.

Yes, Gleevec (imatinib) requires regular medical monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Before starting treatment:

• Complete blood count (CBC) including differential
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Assessment for heart conditions
• Pregnancy test (if applicable)

During treatment:

Blood counts:

• Weekly for the first month
• Biweekly for the second month
• Then periodically as clinically indicated (at least every 2-3 months)

Liver function tests:

• Before initiation
• Monthly or as clinically indicated

Additional monitoring:

• Weight monitoring for fluid retention
• Heart function if symptoms develop
• Regular check-ups with your oncologist

Why monitoring is important:

Regular monitoring helps detect:

• Low blood cell counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Liver enzyme elevations
• Fluid retention and edema
• Treatment response and disease progression

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate monitoring schedule based on your individual needs and response to treatment.

While taking Gleevec (imatinib), you should avoid or be cautious with certain foods, medications, and activities.

Foods to avoid:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Can increase imatinib blood levels and potentially increase side effects

Supplements to avoid:

• St. John’s Wort: Can significantly reduce imatinib effectiveness

Medications requiring discussion with your doctor:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – use with caution due to potential liver effects
• Warfarin and other blood thinners – interactions may occur
• Any new prescription or over-the-counter medications

Pregnancy considerations:

• Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Gleevec
• Use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 days after the last dose
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose

Situations requiring caution:

• Infections: Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection
• Surgery: Inform surgical teams about your Gleevec use
• Dental procedures: Let your dentist know you take imatinib

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medications while taking Gleevec (imatinib). For questions, call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

For comprehensive medical information about Gleevec (imatinib), consult these trusted resources:

• Gleevec Prescribing Information – Official FDA-approved drug information
• National Cancer Institute – Imatinib – Drug information from NCI
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – CML education and support resources
• American Cancer Society – CML – Patient information on chronic myeloid leukemia
• Mayo Clinic – Imatinib – Side effects and drug information
• National Cancer Institute – GIST Treatment – Information on GIST treatment

For questions about Gleevec (imatinib) copay assistance or prescription access, contact QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free (800) 496-6111.

• Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021588s062lbl.pdf
• Imatinib: Drug information. UpToDate Lexi-Drugs. Accessed November 2025.
• FDA Approval: May 10, 2001.
• National Cancer Institute. Imatinib Mesylate. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/imatinibmesylate. Accessed November 2025.
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. https://www.lls.org/leukemia/chronic-myeloid-leukemia. Accessed November 2025.
• American Cancer Society. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/chronic-myeloid-leukemia.html. Accessed November 2025.