Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Support Group

Gleevec has been shown to inhibit melanin, which is the substance that causes skin color (and causes tan skin). I've heard much discussion about watching for skin burn (and note that I too seem to burn very easily, but I always have, so it's hard to see a difference), but have never heard about the type of reaction you're talking about. It sounds like heat stroke--make sure when you're out that you wear a hat and drink lots of water. Perry

Thanks Perry. My oncologist is on vacation so I went in to see my PCP. He says its dehydration and some heat exhaustion. He's running some blood work to make sure all else is good. I have noticed that I can't get tan. lol I have tried!

I was told NO SUN. Let us know how you are doing, Amy!

Really?? NO SUN AT ALL?? Did they tell you why? I love the sun and having fun @ the pool with my kids and I'm having a hard time adjusting to this new limitation. I am finally starting to get back to normal. It's taken me a week, but I'm almost there. This wiped me out so bad that I don't even want to be in the sun @ all! My blood work came back good. My white counts are below normal...don't know what to think about that. My PCP is going to give this info to my oncologist when he gets back in town. I go back in June so we'll see what he says.

I am glad you are feeling better, Amy! Take it easy. Marie

Hi I am new to this group but I can relate my experiance. Two years ago I had a pool and I was in it everyday and got as my grandma used to say "brown as a berry"! I got actually darker then I have ever been in my life. Now that said, I limited myself to a couple of hours a day usually in the morning because the heat did make me sick if I got to hot. You are in Arizona so you may have to take it slower as the Sun is a lot hotter there then in Kentucky. You CAN get a tan on gleevec you just have to be careful. Maybe it was because I was in a pool and it kept me cool. Anyway that was my experiance and I hope it helps.
ladykaty

hi it's really sunny here in New Zealand well when it's summer which it isnt right now my 18 yr old son did the apply loads of sun block on always wears a hat and he finds the heat really affects him so he keeps his water intake up all year round he has really fair skin so burns even faster since on Gleevec but he is in remission now but still takes Gleevec wish you well with your recovery

My husband has CML and has been on Gleevec for 7.5 years. Our doctor also told us, no sun and if he is out in the sun to put on sunscreen. The reason he gave was that Gleevec is an inhibitor and hypopigments the skin, meaning removes skin pigmentation. I can attest to that because my husband has grown very white on Gleevec. If there is less skin pigment, then there is less protection from the sun's harmful UV rays and risk of skin cancer increases. So, use sun screen when out in the sun.

Abocage, my husband and I spent 6 wonderful years studying at the University of Arizona in Tucson. It can get REALLY hot in June and July. So please take care.

Best Wishes,
Anjana
wife of Royston
d/x Jan 2002
400mg Gleevec
PCR negative

Hi,
I found out the hard way about gleevec & the sun. I am a golfer and was out playing Memorial Day weekend and ended up with welts all up & down my arms, besided feeling like they were on fire. Also have a rash all over my chest & it is spotty in other areas. I did find a wonderful clothing line made in Everett, Wa called SunPrecautions. I love it, very light weight, stylish & it does keep the sunrays off your skin. They are taking me off the Gleevec starting today due to the rash, sure hope they know what they are doing. I hope this helps you. Patti

I just saw Dr. Druker and his nurse Carolyn. I was told "no sun" since Gleevec makes your skin more sun sensitive and increases risk for skin cancer.