Here is a chart showing the various side effects recorded for Gleevec, Sprycel and Tasigna during two major studies. The chart may be useful for those who need to or want to reduce certain side effects, and are trying to decide which alternative drug would be the better choice:
http://onlinelibrary.../cncr.26147/pdf
http://www.nature.co...u2011217t3.html
The chart at the link above shows in general terms the following about each TKI drug. Note that this chart records quantity, not severity of side effects:
Worst offenders for various side effects of each drug:
Gleevec induced more diarrhea, nausea, overall edema, muscle spasms/cramps, and phosphate decreases
Sprycel induced more pleural effusion, overall anemia, and low platelets
Tasigna induced more rash, itching, hair loss, elevated ALT and AST, elevated lipase and bilirubin
Most Favorable / Least side effects for each drug:
Gleevec induced the least of nothing (this may surprise some people)
Sprycel induced the least nausea and rash
Tasigna induced the least overall anemia
All Three Offended Equally Often Regarding:
Fatigue
Overall observations from this chart:
- You can't run from the fatigue. I think we knew that.
- Gleevec has a somewhat overall bad profile for numbers/types of side effects, although our collective experiences seem to show that severity of any given side effect may not be as severe. Comparing the severity of Sprycel's pleural effusion issue shows that sometimes severity plays a greater role in the need to switch drugs than numbers of side effects. But generally, Gleevec has NOT shown itself to have a better or milder side effects profile.
- There are ways to trade side effects for others when necessary. These drugs are just tools, not life-long loyalty partnerships. Trading side effects can increase quality of life, not just provide a better response than another.
Edited by Trey, 09 August 2016 - 10:38 AM.
