10 replies to this topic

[chiocchi]

I've been on gleevec for 5 years and it's doing it's job. My cramping has gotten worse,more so at night but can happen during daytime too. Anyone with advice? I do take tramadol for arthritic pain and generalized discomfort.

[Trey]

If you are PCR undetectable (PCRU) then you should ask your Onc about reducing the dosage.  My Gleevec cramps improved when I dropped from 400mg to 200mg daily.  The other alternative is to split the dosage 200mg morning and evening, which might help a bit. 

[Antilogical]

Try tonic water.  It helps a bit.

[gerry]

I found it worse when I took a fluid tablet and became a bit dehydrated.

[chiocchi]

Thank you for the advice,. I am undetectable but knowing my onc I doubt he'll agree to lowering dose. I will try splitting it though and the tonic
I'm so grateful to be able to talk to all of you that understand what I'm feeling. Blessings to you all!!

[Pin]

Good quality magnesium and calcium supplements has been the only thing that has worked for me. I notice if I miss them for a few days in a row or I take a diuretic. They do make a big difference. Also try potassium in rehydration tablets (gastrolyte, hydrolyte).

[Trey]

Taking potassium and magnesium supplements have helped reduce my cramping, which are worse when I sweat a lot during the summer heat.  The TKI drugs reduce electrolytes so supplements are a good idea.

[Happycat]

Magnesium oxide (400 mg) and calcium supplements work well for me.  Staying hydrated helps, too.  Mine comes and goes, so I go through a spate (like the last few weeks) where I get spasms and bad cramps. 

 

Have you figured out what triggers them?  I know anytime I squat down to look in the lower kitchen cupboards or the fridge, I'm asking for foot cramps.  So now I just make my kids do stuff for me that would otherwise trigger the cramps.  When they grow up and leave, I'll have to renovate my kitchen so I have those glide-out shelves.

 

Happycat

[chiocchi]

Yes, unfortunately I get them when I first lie down in bed at night. I try not to turn on my side as that does trigger them. My friend, a massage therapist showed how to stretch them out when they start. I did start splitting the dose and I'm afraid to believe it but I feel less crampy already! I will start magnesium also.
Will splitting the dose cause any problems ? I'm getting the full dose over 24 hours so I don't believe it'll be a problem. I'm scheduled for labs in early January then onc following,I'll discuss it with him then.

[Trey]

Splitting dosage does not decrease effectiveness of Gleevec since it has a long half-life in the body (about 18 - 20 hours).  So you are always at a reasonable plasma concentration level either way.  I have split the Gleevec dosage since almost the start and did very well.  Sprycel has a short half-life (about 3 - 5 hours) so splitting dosage might not work as well, but there is no data either way on that.  Tasigna is normally split dosage and has a long half-life as well (15 - 17 hours).

Edited by Trey, 21 November 2014 - 11:18 AM.

[chiocchi]

Thanks For all the info Trey! It has definitely helped the cramping.