5 replies to this topic

[melissaj35]

Hello everyone...

   Just a little info before I get into my topic...... I have been on this battle for thirteen years and have taken gleevec (terrible side effects) and spyrcel (stopped responding with little side effects). I have now started Tasigna since July with bearable side effects except weight gain. Weight gain seems to be petty but the issue is I am already overweight and the extra pounds has caused my bloodpressure to rise and my fatigue to increase. I am very uncomfortable and my family has asked me several times "Why are you breathing like that". Has anyone on Tasigna increased in weight like this..... I have gained over ten pounds and can definitely feel the difference and will exercise help if this a side effect  

[melissaj35]

Well,  I had a visit yesterday with my hematologist and I asked him about the weight gain. He did not believe it has anything to do with the medication so I suggested for me to get some exercise which he was okay with. I understand the medication normally cause weight loss in most but this is the fastest for me. I will just chuck it down as stress related  

[Trey]

TKI drugs can cause the body to retain fluid (edema) which causes sudden weight gain.  If the fluid accumulates around the lungs (or diaphragm area) it causes breathing issues such as shortness of breath and shallow breathing.  You have both of these issues so you should consult a doc who knows something about these issues and probably have a chest Xray.

[Terran]

I think the fatigue has slowed down my metabolism , but I think the meds stimulate my appetite. I suspect the leukemic cells are giving off an , "help I'm starving to death", signal as they die. I am struggling mightily to get my weight under control.

[tazdad08]

Tasigna also can change or damage thyroid functions. I would have your family dr do a TSH screen. My thyroid is awful now. I have had thyroid medication adjusted a few times

[Merry7of9]

I've been on Tasigna for 16 months. I have not gained weight from it. I discovered that if I exercise regularly, I feel WAY better. I like to use an incline treadmill. 30 to 40 minutes a day, vigorous- I sustain an 80% of maximum H&R for 50% of the workout. I eat very healthy food and hike a lot, too. Benefits of exercise can not be over emphasized. Honestly, it may seem counterintuitive, but I feel more energetic and less tired when I regularly work out. It isn't going to hurt you, that's for sure. Only one warning: you might experience leg pain in the muscles of your thighs and calves. This is a reported side effect of Tasigna. I just skip a day when that happens, and then the problem subsides. I wish you the best of luck with this!