Pluvicto Side Effects

[robert570]

Has anyone had muscular problems while on Pluvicto? I just got my 3rd round and am suffering with muscular pain, the type where it's hard to put a jacket on or comb your hair. Also it's now hard to get out of my chair as my legs have become weaker.

[Marit85]

Hi! My dad, who just got his second infusion is experiencing much of the same. His psa has been declining some (from 49 to 40), but he is suffering from aches and pretty rough fatigue. We too have been wondering if this is a normal SE.

[katartizo61]

Maybe try some additional trace minerals potassium and electrolytes

[Loudlibrarian]

My husband has had only one round of Pluvicto (6/29) and while all pain issues are gone he does say his legs feel weak and wobbly. Ibuprofen in the afternoon helps and he takes no other meds. He did experience more fatigue than usual the first week too. It’s not bone pain in the thighs, he says it definitely feels muscular. I encourage more water intake, but that’s a challenge for him. May give him some Gatorade to increase electrolytes as recommended.

[robert570 in reply to Loudlibrarian]

When I was on Pluvicto my legs and muscles got week also. I'm off of it now and got my muscle strength back.

[SeosamhM]

Absolutely, Robert! Mine started after the second infusion. I am almost six weeks out from my final Pluvicto infusion in late May and am anxiously hoping for diminishing muscle aches/cramps/neuralgia as my body heals. However, getting out of my comfy living room chair still takes a concerted effort. I would offer a few things:

If your labs and scans are clear, put it in your mind that our pain comes under the dreaded vague heading of "chronic pain." Treat it as such - it is pain that is not associated with an underlying condition that needs to be treated (like a torn muscle), i.e., it IS the condition. After communicating with 8 men on Pluvicto, this muscular (i.e., not bone, thank you very much, Doctor!) pain is more common than the medical literature (and providers!) indicate. About half have had some noticeable chronic muscle pain or neuralgia, and 2 have had a miserable time like us.

It shouldn't be surprising, because there have been studies, but it was to me: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has helped me take the edge off the pain. See: jpsmjournal.com/article/S08...

Chewable low-dose aspirin (81 mg) taken every few hours helps me - keeping it in the mouth to dissolve and enter the bloodstream is crucial. I usually take two, so maybe 8 a day, for a total of 648 mg. For perspective, this is almost exactly equivalent to 2 full-dose aspirin (325 mg each). It's the constant dosing through the oral mucosa that makes the difference for me, and I never get close to the maximum 4,000 mg total every 24 hours. Of course, results can vary.

I rotate through the traditional chronic pain relief methods - movement/exercise/stretching, massage with a massage "gun," hot therapy (baths, pads, sauna), cold therapy (baths, packs...uh, winter...), electrostimulation, cupping, meditation, and a glass of wine or cold beer once and awhile.

This may be more than you were asking, but to repeat the simple answer: The pain is real and you are not alone. I came to the conclusion that - despite the semantics - Pluvicto is chemo and it has side effects. I have needed to dig out the old "chemo spirit" that I had years ago and just endure it.

Good luck!! - Joe M.

[robert570 in reply to SeosamhM]

Well said. Very similar to what I have. Thanks!

[RunThru]

I had similar effects after #4. Weakness on quads mostly and loss in wind. Turns out my hemoglobin got hit pretty hard. After last pluvicto, it was sub 7 down from 9.5 after #4. What caused hit? Pluvicto or cancer, both? So maybe keep an eye on this.

[j-o-h-n]

Looks like every med we take causes muscular pain and weakness in our legs....I've been feeling shitty for years.......... but I still manage to laugh....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 07/11/2023 5:32 PM DST