6 replies to this topic

[alexamay09]

Hi - I recently started a drug called letrozole (changed from tamoxifen)  and am on dasatinib. I was so ill after the change of drug I halved the dose of letrozole and felt a bit better.  However I am having terrible pain in my upper stomach and back, and occasionally jaw. I often burp a lot too.  The general practitioner has given me Gaviscon but it isn't really helping. I think I may have some sort of stomach ulcer.  I am planning to phone my haematologist but wondered if there is any effective ppi or even antacid that I would be able to get.  The pain is really getting me down.

 

I've searched the forum but can't find anything closely related.

Thanks

 

Alex

 

[hannibellemo]

Alex,

 

So sorry to hear you are having such problems. Stomach pain was shown as one of the lesser common side effects of letrozole. The problem with dasatinib and PPIs is the concern of lowering the efficacy of the dasatinib because it works best in an acid envirinment. PPIs are contraindicated with dasatinib.

 

How did dasatinib interact with tamoxifen? Were you switched for an important reason? Is it possible if you don't adjust to the letrozole you could return to tamoxifen?

 

I was on Prilosec when I was switched to dasatinib from Gleevec due to liver toxicity and was told to stop taking it for two reasons, one, the reason mentioned above and two, it's hard on your liver. I compensated by sleeping on a wedge and using Tums if I needed them. I also stopped eating grains, including wheat, and whites - potatoes, rice, flour, added sugar, etc. That has made an amazing difference in my gastric comfort.

 

I hope you find a solution that works for you soon! Good luck.

[alexamay09]

Thanks Pat. I was on tamoxifen for 5 years. The switch to letrozole is standard treatment here as the tamoxifen is not as effective in post menopausal women. I am seriously considering giving up letrozole altogether as I have been unwell since starting it. The joys of cancer treatment! ! I think maybe being on 2 different cancer drugs hasn't helped. I have alerted my haematologist so will see what she says. Any solution that reduces the efficacy of the CML treatment isnt a solution at all of course! I should be positive though -when all is said and done I'm still here!
Alex
Xx

[snowbear]

If it is an ulcer or inflammation, Carafate should help.  Ask your doc about it.  

[alexamay09]

Thanks Snowbear. My haematologist basically said there's nothing! Helpful! I was doing ok till I had to start letrozole. I started taking half per day, and past couple of days has been better, so here's hoping xx

[jmoorhou]

Drinking water can help with gastric pain...one of the hematologists told me while taking Gleevec if you experience any stomach pain,, drink some water.   It has helped me.

[August1]

Hi,

I've had some GI issues on both Gleevac and Sprycel. In the past I have seen a gastroenterologist who did an endoscopy to take a look and help manage the condition. On the last visit he diagnosed me with Gastritis (possibly related to Sprycel, diet, or both) which can typically be managed with antibiotics.