3 replies to this topic

[MJB]

It will have taken 12 days since my onc wrote the script for nilotinib to get my "cadillac"  insurance plan to authorize coverage and send it to me. Assuming it arrives on time, I should be able to take my first dose  July 28th. Although Gleevec hasn't produced the best cytogenic responses  for me, it does control my peripheal blood counts and due to this extra long time to get the new med I will have to go about 5 days with nothing. In the last 14 months since diagnosis I have become so used to taking that daily pill that I am now frightened of life without it. I know the gleevec side effects and have adapted but now I won't know how I will do on Tasigna until I do tasigna. A little unsettling..

Thanks for listening!

MJB

[CallMeLucky]

We certainly become creatures of habit, don't we?  I can understand the apprehension.  For what its worth, from what I have read, most people have fewer side effects with Tasigna.  I don't think you put yourself in any danger being off treatment for 5 days, how long did you ahve CML before you started treatment?  Probably a lot longer.  Point being, as a chronic disease it progresses slowly.  I also believe you are supposed to take a break of at least a few days when switching from one to the other, so I think your window will be fine.  People who have done "ok" on Gleevec who then switch to Tasigna seem to work out and get the response they are looking for.

Best of luck....

[MJB]

Thank you so much for your reply. Sometimes hearing others tell these things makes all the difference!

MJB

[Trey]

This switch should make a big difference, and the 5 day break is only a couple days longer than the recommended break between drugs.  All should work out well.  We will be watching for good news from you.