Gleevec And Skin Pigmentation

Updated

I have been taking Gleevec for 3 1/2 years for CML. I am currently in remission with little/no side effects. For the last 2 years, the pigment on my face has been changing, and recently quite drastically. It seems as though the melatonin around my eyes is migrating to my cheeks. From my eyebrows down to approx 1 inch below my lower lashes has no pigment. It seems as though my cheeks are gathering all of the pigment. The patches of darker coloration are almost triangular and span across my face. I wear sunscreen everyday, and sunlight does make the discoloration worse. Is this skin discoloration or migration of pigment a side effect of the Gleevec?

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1

From what I have read, yes, it has been known to cause pigmentation changes with long-term use.

https:/­/­rxchat.com/­wiki/­Gleevec/­

Have you spoken to your doctor about it?

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2

I have been on Gleevec 400mg. since Oct. of 2000, and I have not had that problem, but have heard of others with that complaint. I do get cramping in my feet and hands, and swelling around the eyes that helps with a ice pack. Wish I could be more helpful with that side effect. I am at PCRU for 7 years now, and Gleevec has been a blessing to me even with the side effects.

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3

I have the same issue, and have been on Gleevec for only a year. My doctor thinks the discoloration/ loss of pigment is due to the issues discussed in this article:
GIST Support International - Skin-Related Side Effects of Imatinib & Sunitinib

Also, my doctor believes that the greater coloration of the rest of my face is due to greater sensitivity to light, which is also a side effect of Gleevec.

As much as I hate to admit it (as a guy), the best treatment I have found so far is to wear make-up.

Hope this helps!

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4

I've been taking Gleevec since 2007 and a couple of years ago I detected that my skin was turning progresevelly clearer. Fortunately this change is homogeneus, but still concerns me because I don't know if this will go on until I turn close to albine. Also my skin is now thinner and no matter how long I get exposed to the sun, I don't get tanned. Besides, I constantly have small bleeds in my eyes.

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