Can anyone tell me how long the side ... - The Roy Castle Lu...
Can anyone tell me how long the side effects (if they are going to occur) take to kick in for the drug Iressa?
This can be variable as some people get side effects immediately, some can be side effect free totally, and for others they have side effects some cycles and not others. Try not to dwell on side effects, until you experience them, you may be lucky and not get any. Remember to seek advice from your oncology team though if you have side effects that are distressing
Hi I started on Iressa on 6th August, and within a couple if days I started with spots and a dry rash on my face and it has gotten worse. Some days are worse than others. Ihave also noticed I am losing a little more hair when I brush or wash it. Other than that I am very good. So count myself as very lucky!
I wouldn't worry too much about the side effects on these tablets as they are a lot better than other forms of chemo from what I have heard and read.
Good luck with Iressa. X
Hi Macmillanfan
I have been on Iressa since April 2011 and having been in contact with others who are also on this treatment and most people have side effects to a greater or larger degree.Firstly the extent of the side effects does not indicate how the Iressa is working.(I got this info from my oncologist) My symptoms were comparatively mild and started about a week after I began the medication.If you do have any questions and you think I can help I will be happy to hear from you.
hope Iressa works for you
Mags
I asked the question because my dad has been put on Iressa. He is 88 and suffering from NSCLC. He started last Tuesday and I was just wondering how long it took side effects to show. He is understandably nervous as the oncologist has painted rather a black picture about what could possibly happen. I guess they have to in order that people know the worst possible. Thanks for answering. best wishes.
I've been on Iressa for 17 months now, my side effects started within a couple of days, rash on chin, dry skin and tummy cramps an hour after taking it. Nothing major and nothing I couldn't live a 'normal' life with. They seemed to stop after about 5 months apart from dry skin. I did notice my hair was getting a little bit thinner and didn't seem to be growing very fast but now 17 months on it is quite thick and growing curly (like 'chemo' hair) I still colour it every 6 weeks with no problems. All in all I feel very lucky to be on this treatment, I hope it works well for you too.
Lyn x
hi
my nan is 87 and has nsclc. she started iressa 10 weeks ago.
so far the side effects have been tolerable.
she has only had mild nausea which has gone now.
her skin is very dry and she has a very itchy scalp.
she has a rash on her legs. all of these we have had creams etc to help.
she is very tired but that may be more due to her age and the cancer rather than a side effect of iressa.
compared to other cancer chemo it seems alot more tolerable, so easy for nan to take as opposed to taking her to hospital for chemo.
best wishes to you and your dad
love
nancy x
Hi Nancy,
This was really helpful, thank you. Dad is also very tired, all the time. We were hoping that the Iressa might help to perk him up a bit but he's only been on it for a week so we've got to wait and see. We are sure it's because he's 88 and has cancer and nothing more than that. Yes, it seems that we are "lucky" that the side effects are so minimal.
Likewise, best wishes to you and your nan,
Love Jane
