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A new study found that the popular cancer-fighting drug Gleevec may cause severe congestive heart failure.
Gleevec, manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, is a top-selling drug with worldwide sales totaling more than $1 billion so far this year. Even though the drug has been shown to effectively treat cancer, research reveals that it also poses serious heart dangers.
The Gleevec Study
An article published in the journal Nature Medicine cited reports of 10 patients who developed acute congestive heart failure while taking Gleevec for recurring myelogenous leukemia.
The patients had no heart problems prior to taking the drug but each experienced heart failure between two and 14 months after they began using Gleevec, said Dr. Thomas Force, a professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
Risks vs. Benefits
Dr. Force said he wanted to call attention to the potential dangers of Gleevec and similar drugs since they may have significant effects on the heart. He added that doctors should monitor their patients and watch for symptoms.
More research needs to be conducted in order to understand the level of risk to patients taking Gleevec. However, concerned patients should consult with their physician to weigh the risks and benefits of using this drug.
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