Generic Gleevec (Imatinib)
Same active ingredient — imatinib — as Gleevec®, at a substantially lower price. Produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The same active ingredient, without the originator price
Generic imatinib is the equivalent of branded Gleevec® — not a different medicine, and not a “knockoff.”
Any switch between brand and generic should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Reference prices are indicative public list prices and vary by market.
Available generic imatinib options
Every option contains imatinib and requires a valid prescription. Grouped by strength.
Availability varies by destination. All options are dispatched after pharmacist review of your prescription.
What Gleevec® typically costs — and the generic alternative
Typical branded reference prices by market, next to our generic imatinib price.
| Market | Branded Gleevec® — reference price | Generic imatinib — OnlineMeds |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$10,000+ / month (brand) branded list price |
from
$20.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
| United Kingdom | ~£1,800 / month branded list price |
from
$20.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
| Australia | ~A$3,000 / month branded list price |
from
$20.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
Reference prices are indicative public list prices for the originator brand. Prices vary by destination & quantity — not a promised discount.
Imatinib, explained simply
Written and reviewed by our pharmacist team. Informational only — your doctor directs your treatment.
Imatinib is the active ingredient in Gleevec® (also marketed as Glivec®), a targeted therapy used in certain leukemias and GIST. Generic imatinib contains the same active ingredient at the same strengths and is produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically at a fraction of the originator price. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Gleevec® (Glivec® outside the US) is the originator brand for imatinib, developed by Novartis. It is prescribed in the management of Philadelphia-chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, certain other leukemias, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. It is a prescription-only medicine used under specialist supervision.
Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It targets the BCR-ABL protein associated with certain leukemias, as well as related signalling proteins. By blocking these signals it is used as part of a treatment plan directed by your haematologist or oncologist.
Imatinib is prescribed for adults (and in some indications children) with specific leukemias and GIST, as determined by a specialist based on diagnosis and overall health.
Imatinib is usually taken once daily with a meal and a large glass of water to reduce stomach upset; higher daily doses may be split into two. The exact dose depends on the condition being treated and your body's response, and is set by your specialist. The 400 mg and 100 mg tablets allow flexible dosing.
Never change your dose on your own.
Reported side effects of imatinib may include fluid retention or swelling (for example around the eyes or ankles), nausea, muscle cramps, rash, and tiredness. Your specialist monitors blood counts and liver function during treatment, as less common effects can occur.
Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.
Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.
Gleevec® vs generic imatinib
| Attribute | Gleevec® (brand) | Generic imatinib |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Imatinib mesylate | Imatinib mesylate Same |
| Strengths | 100 mg / 400 mg | 100 mg / 400 mg Same |
| Dosage form | Tablet | Tablet Same |
| Originator | Novartis | licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes Same |
| Typical cash price | ~$10,000+ / month (brand) (United States reference) | from $20.00 / tablet |
| Availability | National pharmacies & insurance coverage | Ships worldwide from OnlineMeds — Rx required |
Equivalence refers to the active ingredient, strength, and form. Discuss any switch with your prescribing doctor.
A pharmacy, not a marketplace
Every order is sourced, checked, and dispatched by our own licensed pharmacy team.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about equivalence, prescriptions, legality, and delivery. Tap a question to expand.
Is generic imatinib the same as Gleevec/Glivec?
Do I need a prescription to order imatinib?
How much can I save with generic imatinib?
Is it legal to import imatinib for personal use?
Why is generic imatinib so much cheaper?
How long does delivery take?
Our clinical team reviews OnlineMeds access content for accuracy of equivalence, sourcing, and safety wording — not individual treatment advice.
Informational only. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Consult a healthcare professional before use.