8 replies to this topic

[CML.Mom]

He says its a single dose per day and would not require the fasting - therefore easier to maintain a semi-normal lifestyle

Not sure how I feel about this. Is it as effective. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Wondering why they did not put him on Sprycel a year ago when he was first diagnosed.

Any idea if the cost is the same. Brain on overload. Again.

[Trey]

Last we knew your son had a little more than 1 log reduction (4% IS) from Feb 2012 to Nov 2012.  That is OK but not speedy.  So a change to Sprycel is probably even a good idea for several reasons, including ease of taking the medication once per day and no fasting.  It may also work better for him.

There is no way to know which TKI drug any person will respond best to.  So it is a trial and error approach.  But hard for Mom.

What are his latest test results? 

Hope you are doing OK.

[CallMeLucky]

As Trey stated everyone has a different experience, but from a study standpoint they would pretty much be considered equally effective.  I think in some ways Sprycel might even be considered better in terms of efficacy.  Cost also varies depending on how you obtain it, but they are relatively the same cost.  Assuming you are in US, most insruance plans would treat the two drugs the same way (i.e. whatever your co-pay is for Tasigna, it would likely be the same for Sprycel).

I could see where Sprycel would be easier for a child than Tasigna is given the requirements.

Best of luck....

[Marnie]

Sprycel has been very effective for me.  I was responding somewhat slowly on Gleevec.  After switching to Sprycel, my PCR dropped very quickly and I've been PCRu for some time now.  My doctor wanted to put me on Tasigna, but I told him that I preferred Sprycel, mainly because of the ease of dosing.

You might want to talk with your son's oncologist about starting Sprycel with a lower dose to help mitigate the initial side effects.  Some people have severe headaches at first, though they don't last.  I took a 5 day drug break from Gleevec, and then did 50 mg of Sprycel for 5 days before starting full dosage (100 mg).  I had very mild headaches for a week or so, but that's about it for side effects.

I've been very pleased with Sprycel. 

Good luck,

Marnie

[CML.Mom]

Hi Trey,

Thank you so much for your response - as always reading it made me feel so much better.

In June his bcr/abl % was 0.293!!  Last time it was 4.136 so its getting lower - but not quite gone yet

Wish I could do more to help others going through this - like you guys do for me.

I just don't know where to start so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks again.

CML Mom

[CML.Mom]

Thank you CallmeLucky.  I think the deductible is the same so probably no impact there.

Was wondering if there would still be the grapefruit restriction.

This chat room is such a stress saver.  Thank you for taking the time.

[CML.Mom]

Will definitely ask about the transition dosages. If you don't mind me asking, how long were you on Gleevec and how long were you on Sprycel to get to PCRu?

Thanks

[CallMeLucky]

You will still have the grapefruit restriction with Sprycel.  I believe all TKI drugs have that restriction.

[alexamay09]

They switched me from tasigna to sprycel about 6 months ago to try and accelerate my response to treatment.  Apart from the awful fatigue which is much better than it was a few months back, i am free from side effects and happy on sprycel. With tasigna I had a painful scalp and a horrible rash on my face and chest,  my hair thinned too. On sprycel the rash is gone and my hair has thickened and grown very curly! my bcr abl had reduced from 43 per cent at 3 months to 3.24 at 9 months. I have always been on the max dose. Good luck with the transition. X