How Assistance Works

Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience

  • 1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification

    Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.

  • 2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma™

    We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.

  • 3. Prior Authorization

    Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.

  • 4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid

    We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.

  • 5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed

    AmeriPharma™ puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.

  • 6. Delivery Coordination

    Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.

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What Is Imatinib?

Imatinib is also known by the brand name, Gleevec. It is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drug that belongs to a class called BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Imatinib is a type of chemotherapy that prevents cancer cells from multiplying and slows down their growth.

What Is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which certain drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. These drugs are usually cytotoxic chemical substances that are toxic to the cells, restrict their growth, prevent their division, and ultimately kill the cells.

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How Is Imatinib Used?

Imatinib has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), gastrointestinal tumors, and many other types of cancers as well as blood disorders.

Available Formulations

Imatinib is available in the form of oral tablets only. The tablets are available in two different strengths: 100 mg and 400 mg. Typically, the dose should not exceed 600 mg daily and will depend on the type of disease being treated. The dose will also depend on whether you have other conditions, such as kidney or liver damage (the dose will be adjusted according to kidney or liver function).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature and ensure the bottle is tightly closed. The oral suspension, once made, is stable for up to 14 days refrigerated or at room temperature.

Copay and Financial Assistance

AmeriPharma™ Specialty Care alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families

  • Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs

  • One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process

  • Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding

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Directions for Use

Imatinib is typically dosed once a day, ranging between 100 mg to 600 mg per dose, depending on cancer type and severity. Verify the correct dose and frequency with your provider. The dose should not be more or less than what is prescribed.

Administer dose with a meal and a large glass of water. While taking the tablet, swallow it whole; do not break, crush, chew, or allow it to be dissolved in your mouth. Avoid skin contact with crushed tablets; if contact occurs, wash thoroughly.

Tablets may be dispersed in water or apple juice using:

  • 50 ml for a 100 mg tablet
  • 200 ml for a 400 mg tablet

Stir until the tablet dissolves and administer immediately. To ensure the full dose is administered, add more water to rinse the glass and administer. Do NOT disperse in grapefruit juice.

Imatinib tablets can be made into an oral suspension with Ora-Sweet. Shake the suspension well before use and be aware of the date of use.

Imatinib Side Effects

Serious side effects include:
  • Hair loss
  • Liver complications
  • Kidney complications
  • Bone marrow suppression (BMS)
  • Cardiac complications
  • Fluid retention
  • Dizziness/drowsiness
  • GI irritation or bleeding
  • Skin rash
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
Other common side effects include:
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Dry skin
  • Changes in taste
  • Nose or throat irritation
  • Back or joint pain
  • Muscle spasm
  • Weight gain
  • Anxiety
  • Night sweats
See More

Insurances Accepted

We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.

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Get Started in Minutes

Fill out your information and one of our specialists will call you ASAP.

How Much Can You Save?

Speak with a copay assistance specialist

(877) 778-0318

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