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Gleevec and muscle ache

Started by Dom , Jun 13 2015 04:44 PM

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3 replies to this topic

#1 Dom

Advanced Member

Members
186 posts

LocationNew Jersey

Posted 13 June 2015 - 04:44 PM

I've been on gleevec 400 daily since diagnosis 14 months ago. I always said around here that I never had a side effect except for monstrous acid reflux and gas. My oncologist does not want me to move to other tkis, since they have heart problems associated with them, and I've had 5 stents from three operations already. I'm already on a slew of BP and cholesterol medications (but no statins). My recent numbers from the oncologist look pretty good.

All of a sudden, my muscles have started to ache big time. Last month I tore a leg muscle just standing in the shower; I'm only now getting past it. I feel like the other leg is about to go too. My back isn't strong enough to keep me standing straight. And for the first time in my life, I get tired enough just walking up a flight of steps that I need to rest at the top or bottom.

Is this from the Gleevec, like I think it is? Is it odd that it just started after a year? Will it go away? I haven't been diligent taking my magnesium supplement which I started doing this past month. Will that help?

Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014: 3.18 0.91
2015: 0.22 0.16 0.04 0.55
2016: 0.71 0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016: 0.42 0.13 0.45
2017: 0.17 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.34

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#2 Trey

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LocationSan Antonio, Texas

Posted 13 June 2015 - 06:11 PM

No way to know for sure, but it is certainly possible that Gleevec contributes to the muscle aches and issues. For me (and others I have noticed on here) the muscles aches came rather early while on Gleevec. I had the severe muscle aches within about two weeks of starting, and the extreme muscle tiredness also. Both lasted a few months, then slowly subsided over time. I also noticed my tendons, ligaments, and muscles would injure more easily and heal more slowly.

The late onset of symptoms could be related to Gleevec, but don't neglect heart issues which have the same symptoms. You should keep your cardiologist informed about these issues. Eating leafy greens is best, but I would also take supplements including a good multi-vit/min and extra potassium and magnesium. If the extra minerals improve the issues, then it could easily be related to Gleevec.

One more thing....Tasigna and Sprycel are not known to be worse for the heart except for the narrow issue of QT elongation. Otherwise the literature does not suggest avoiding these drugs.

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#3 Gail's

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634 posts

Posted 13 June 2015 - 07:55 PM

Dom, I have had the muscle and joint pain too. Taking magnesium every day has really helped me a lot. Hope you're feeling better soon

Diagnosed 1/15/15
FISH 92%
BMB 9:22 translocation
1/19/15 began 400 mg gleevec
1/22/15 bcr 37.2 IS
2/6/15 bcr 12.5 IS
3/26/15 bcr 10.3 IS
6/29/15 bcr 7.5 IS
9/24/15 bcr 0.8 IS
1/4/16 bcr 0.3 IS
Started 100 mg dasatinib, mutation analysis negative
4/20/16 bcr 0.03 IS
8/8/16 bcr 0.007 IS
12/6/16 bcr 0.002 IS
Lowered dasatinib to 70 mg
4/10/17 bcr 0.001 IS
Lowered dasatinib to 50 mg
7/5/17 bcr 0.004 IS
8/10/17 bcr 0.001. Stopped TKI in prep for September surgery.
9/10/17 bcr 0.006
10/10/17 bcr 0.088