xtandi, headaches and blood pressure - Advanced Prostate...

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xtandi, headaches and blood pressure

Echotango51 profile image
17 Replies

I started taking xtandi on June 13th, I have had no problems until about 10 days ago.

I take the 4 pills at night before I going to bed . I have been waking up with headaches and my blood pressure has been elevated. I emailed my doctor and told them what was going on. I told him I rarely have headaches. He emailed me back and told me to stop taking the pills for a week to two weeks, if the headaches go away I can start will 2 pills. Has anyone had this problem and will 2 pills still work. I see the Doctor in October. When I started the pills June 13th the Doctor checked my PSA in 30 days it when from 1.09 to .97.

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Echotango51
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17 Replies
MyDad76 profile image
MyDad76

My dad started Xtandi in beg of July. He also experiences occasional headache and blood pressure fluctuates. His oncologist is on vacation, hope to her from her next week.

Muffin2019 profile image
Muffin2019

When on arbitrone I was getting headaches and my blood pressure was high, I used a cuff at home. When I went in for the appointment and described the symptoms he gave me amlodipine besylate 5 MG I take one with breakfast and within a week it was normal for my age (70). The xtandi also has effect on blood pressure, I would insist on getting the medicine for the blood pressure and continue the xtandi. The one side effect I have had about 4 times is blood in the urine so have to drink more water than usual. I would get a reliable blood pressure to measure at home, I found a accurate watch that does the blood pressure, oxygen level, pulse and steps, tied it to my smart phone to check it a couple of times a day.

Echotango51 profile image
Echotango51 in reply toMuffin2019

Thanks for your reply. I have been on 10mg of amlodipine for some time.

TEBozo profile image
TEBozo in reply toMuffin2019

When I was on Lupron, Zytiga, and prednisone, I was taking 100 MG Losartan and 25 MG of Carvedilol -split doses. Blood pressure was under control a little fluctuations. Amlodipine made my ankles swell.

Shooter1 profile image
Shooter1

The 80 mg dose worked for me for about 3 yrs.... Then off to the races with lots of different things.

Echotango51 profile image
Echotango51 in reply toShooter1

Thank you SHOOTER1

tango65 profile image
tango65

Xtandi causes hypertension:

accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf...

You could also consult with an internal medicine doctor or a nephrologist to see if it is possible to medicate you to control the increase in the BP caused by Xtandi and continue to use the correct dose.

larry_dammit profile image
larry_dammit in reply totango65

Yes it does, I’ve been fighting high blood pressure for years, finally found the right combo of pills to keep it in the 140 range.

TEBozo profile image
TEBozo in reply tolarry_dammit

What are you taking? BP meds.

larry_dammit profile image
larry_dammit in reply toTEBozo

Lisinorpril and Metoprolol

Benkaymel profile image
Benkaymel

I am likely to start Xtandi soon and based on others' experience, I plan to ramp up the dose rather than go straight in at 4 pills. This seems to greatly ease side effects but time will tell! I have been on Amlodipine for 5 years (way before PCa started) but have stopped it for now as my BP is fine (lowish actually due to taking Tamsulosin for the slow flow). I hear that Apple Cider Vinegar is good for the hot flushes. Hope you manage to defeat the monster!

larry_dammit profile image
larry_dammit

I’ve been on Xtandi now for 6 years, wake up with a low grade headache and wild dreams, just thought it was the pain meds. Any rate I stay on the same 4 pill script ,PSA is 0.05 and has been since. I finished chemo. Just saying

EdBar profile image
EdBar

Yes, I’ve had the same issues, I’ve been using Xtandi for about 7 years now. 3-4 years ago I began to get headaches together with increased fatigue and cognitive issues, these side effects seemed to be cumulative. My oncologist, Dr. Sartor prescribed Celebrex for the headaches and joint pain, I was cleared to use it by my cardiologist who said she hasn’t seen any cardiac issues with it during her 17 years of practice despite its reputation.Sartor also reduced the dose to 80 mg and it was still effective for 2-3 years however recently my PSA left the undetectable range it had been in, he said Xtandi dosage doesn’t matter once cancer figures out a workaround. I worked with my GP and cardiologist on changing some of my BP meds and it is fine now, I test frequently at home - it’s always high at the docs. I’m still on 80mg Xtandi and Celebrex, rarely get headaches and the lower dose helped alleviate the cumulative SE’s.

Ed

pilot52 profile image
pilot52

I have been on Xtandi for 3+ years along with Lupron..Had Lu-177 during. No real problems. Every issue we have we tend to look to our cancer meds. Maybe your headaches come from a different origin. ..good luck....Blue Skies I have an intense exercise program..I attack my quality of life and workouts like I did my practice, still flying, and having fun....Sky King and Penny (woof)

TEBozo profile image
TEBozo in reply topilot52

Pilot, you're awesome!!

Fiddler2004 profile image
Fiddler2004

I started out at 160mg (4 tablets) 3 years ago. After suffering through adverse events for 2 months the MO lowered my dosage to 80mg (2 tablets) daily. Still working 🙏 Here's info on dosage modification from the Astellas (Xtandi) website. Download PDF, page 2 astellas.us/docs/us/12A005-...

anonymoose2 profile image
anonymoose2

Started with 160 mg Xtandi and did have a low grade headache for about 1 month and went away. Then after 4 months of the horrific side effects and undetectable PSA went to 80 mg. This is one powerful drug IMO. I’m no doctor but my thoughts are if one is undetectable 1 pill as a maintenance dose would work. I’m not suggesting this for anyone. It’s just my personal opinion. 2 more weeks and I will of be off all medications for 6 months. From a PSA of 32.7 to undetectable and 3 months off meds to 0.174 and in 2 weeks will get another PSA test. I’m encouraged as I feel great and no issues with flow or swelling. But with that success came with Dexa Scans showing the medication weakened bones, caused a neuropathy that caused numbness tingling and my walk is affected in balance. Not ready for a scooter but it’s in the back of my mind. 1.5 more years if my numbers stay the same I will consider healed. No metastasizing in bone or organs just pelvic lymph node’s. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Cheers! Bud Zero 🍻

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