6 replies to this topic

[Taylor]

Hello everyone,

Do you all find yourself winded easily? It seems like, although I am admittedly out of shape, my cardio abilities are a lot less than they should be. It seems like if I push myself out of bed with my arms, or other similar task, my body is so tired and my heart beats hard. I don't have shortness of breath, but sometimes am winded.

I've had an echo and it's fine. I'm also on a beta blocker, but it was experiencing this before I was on that. It's hard to get in shape when the slightest exertion wipes you out.

Just doing the typical CML poll I suppose! Thank you.

[Trey]

Taking both a TKI and beta blocker is a recipe for extreme fatigue.  I would ditch the beta blocker.  They are not good for you in combination with TKI drugs. 

It is difficult, but you need to exercise. 

http://www.mayoclini...NSECTIONGROUP=2

[Taylor]

Thanks Trey for the input. The problem is, pre-beta blocker I had many benign PVCs and a rapid heart rate, which I didn't have pre-TKI. I feel great on BB and my exertion "symptoms" are only slightly worse on BB. You're right though, exercise is key. I'll hit the gym more. Thank you.

[Ray99]

Trey,

  I am taking TKI and calcium channel blocker 5mg for my BP.  Is it a bad combination?  I do not having much side effects and do not feel fatigue.

[Taylor]

Hi Ray,

If I can answer, you should take a look at interactions between your CCB and your TKI. I'm on Tasigna. In February I had an episode of atrial fibrillation and went to the ER (not knowing what was happening). The hospitalist wanted to take me off of atenolol and put me on something called Cardizem. Well, the only thing that didn't react with Tasigna was the atenolol I was already one (only 25mg). I'm glad I looked it up and refused to switch, because apparently the CCB and Tasigna mutually caused an increase in the other's levels. But if you don't have a problem now, it might be OK for you. Just wanted to mention some caution.

[Trey]

Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers work differently.  See link below.  I was mainly commenting on the double fatigue, but beta blockers also decrease oxygen to the heart, which does not sound like a great idea to me. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm....books/NBK83601/

[Ray99]

Thanks, Trey and Taylor.

Both my Onc and PCP know that I am taking both CCB and Tasigna.  But neither show any concern about it.  I will ask my Onc again when I see him next time.