Anemia

[Survivor1951]

Just wondering if others have dealt with anemia while on Imbruvica. Terrible fatigue and joint pain set in about three weeks ago, just one week after a clear PET scan. My oncologist has stopped the Imbruvica for now and the Meloxicam I’d been on for the joint pain that is a result of the Imbruvica.

Hemoglobin has dropped a full point over less than a month. I’m now on 65 mg iron twice daily. He is watching blood closely and scheduled an upper GI scope to rule out stomach bleeds. After just five days, iron supplement seems to be helping somewhat. I’ve never dealt with this kind of fatigue.

This is the third time in a year I’ve had to stop the Imbruvica. Both times before, I was off for a month. I’ve been in 420 mg every other day since February due to other side effects.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Survivor, has your Dr. done studies to rule out all sources of the anemia?

It might help others to reply with personal information, if you will lock your post so that that information is not on the internet, but private to this community.

[Survivor1951 in reply to cllady01]

I am a 67 year old female, diagnosed with CLL in Feb 2018. On Imbruvica since April 2018 following finding of p17 deletion. Excellent results with Imbruvica, just bothersome side effects...mouth sores, bruising, fatigue, etc.

Dr. Ordered additional iron panel last week upon iron deficiency finding. That confirmed deficiency. Platelets are actually up from 102 to 155. Trying to eat iron rich foods along with supplement.

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to Survivor1951]

The following site is helpful to read to ensure iron absorption and hopefully let you stop taking the supplement sooner rather than later or never.

feosol.com/about-iron/iron-...

[Hidden]

since you posted-some people have issues absorbing b-12(cyanocobalamin) from the stomach and need to take b-12 shots on a regular basis. Just a thought.