4 replies to this topic

[Taylor]

Hi everyone,

Thought I'd give a quick update. More than one month on Sprycel and so far, I'm really liking it compared to Tasigna. My wife helped me carry some big (25 lbs?) bags of compost around to the other side of the house, and I wasn't huffing and puffing and feeling like my heart was doing way too much work, nor feeling like I would be wiped out from doing that. Being so weak at the age of 27 was not cool, so I'm thinking things are looking up. Another thing too (maybe related but I think it's the drug too) is that I've really been pushing magnesium supplements, to the tune of 400-600mg per day. It has helped my PVCs and I think improved my mood after a couple of weeks.

Now then...

GI Question

I had my gallbladder out in 2009 and, for a few years before that I had that typical pain associated with an attack. Those who have had it know what I mean.

The second or third night after starting Sprycel, I had a similar pain, but not too bad. Enough to make me have flashbacks though. Then a day or two later I passed some white stools, typical of bile problems. However, I haven't had any more white stools. That said, I have still had some moments (less than 5 minutes) of soreness, usually before bed, around the liver/sternum area. BUT, I've also had some soreness in my back in that area, and on my left side. It's not pain, not like I used to experience; more like a dull soreness that lasts just a few minutes. Could be intestine though.

I notice that I'm extremely gassy now, but otherwise things down there appear to be regular. Could some of this just be gas or other irritation from Sprycel, or do I need to ask my onc about coming in for a CMP and checking enzymes? I'm not due to see him until late May, so I was curious if many people have gas or "poop pains". I'm also extremely acidic a lot of the time in my stomach.

Alcohol

Shorter question: I didn't have any problems with alcohol on Tasigna, liver-wise (except that I think it gave me some SVT when I drank something strong). But now that I'm taking Sprycel with dinner, when I would usually have a good beer or wine...is it going to be problematic to chase Sprycel with some beer? Or on days when I know I'm going to drink, should I bump my pill up a few hours?

Thanks for the advice!

[Marnie]

Hi, Taylor.  I'm glad to hear that Sprycel is going well for you.  It's been a lot better than Gleevec for me.

Gas - yes. 

Alcohol - I've had no problems with alcohol and Sprycel.  Heck, sometimes, I even take my Sprycel with wine instead of water. 

Marnie

[Trey]

Probably not the issue, but ask your doc to check your pancreas function anyway.

http://www.webmd.com...-and-treatments

[CallMeLucky]

I've had very similar GI issues.  I've learned what kinds of things in my diet trigger it and I have cut a number of things out, not the least of which is dairy completely.  I have fewer issues from it when I watch what I eat.

[August1]

Hi Taylor,

I can attest to many of the same GI issues.  I had them with Gleevac as well. I take a probiotic to help with the intestinal stuff, although it doesn't help with the gas ;-). I've not passed white stool though.I might get that checked to rule out any liver issues.

Also, no problem with alcohol and Sprycel for me.

Take care,