Niraparib side effects

[Juleswhee]

I have been taking Niraparib for nine weeks now .At my oncologist appt in January I asked to have my BP checked as the “ book” I was given when I started on the tablets says it should be done monthly .After much rolling of eyes and “ we have loads of women on that drug , we don’t usually check BP “ they finally checked and it was high .Referred to GP to sort it out .Now I am taking BP tablets to help bring it down .Has anyone else had high BP as a side effect and if so and you are no longer taking Niraparib did they let you come off the BP meds ? .Thanks and love to everyone on this grey ( London) Thursday morning xxx Julia

[Lyndy]

Hi Juleswhee I am not on this drug but have experienced this attitude to bp checks- I bought a machine and now do it myself xx

[Juleswhee in reply to Lyndy]

I was stunned to be fair , they all ( nurses and oncologist) seemed suprised it was a side effect .I wanted to say “ Do you not read up on the drugs you prescribe “ but then I am guessing that’s the pharmacists job .xx

[Maus123]

Hi Jules. Can't share Niraparib experiences but am dealing with recent high blood pressure myself, which my oncologist attributes to Avastin.

So far, it's kept mostly under control by a run off the mill hypertension medicine... Ramipril.

I think it's a good idea indeed to have your own bp meter and measure on a regular basis. What a bother you had there ...

Hope you get it under control soon. Xx. Maus

[Juleswhee in reply to Maus123]

Thanks Maus , Yes I think I will get one .If I hadn’t asked for a test a I might be looking at a stroke soon it was so high .Anyway now started on my BP meds , hopefully it will come down .Julia xx

[marylondon]

I’m really surprised at their response . It is a common side- effect . Mine is done monthly at Clinic . ( been on it almost 5 months now ) . Initially at the Clinic it was very high but they’ thought it was ‘ white coat syndrome ‘ & asked me to keep a record & monitor at home . I took it twice daily , then daily & now every few days & it’s reasonable. So haven’t needed pills yet . I think It’s a good idea to get your own machine & it’s more relaxing at home . Hope that helps & wishing you all the best .

Mary x

[Juleswhee in reply to marylondon]

Hi Mary , For some things my cancer centre is brilliant but others not so , it’s a good job I am on the ball and read all the notes . I had to have a 24 hr monitor attached which is supposed to show true readings and not invoke “ white coat syndrome” however for some reason I found it very stressful , well having the life squeezed out of your arm every half hour can do that to you .Hopefully the BP tablets will stabilise it .Thanks for answering xx Julia xx

[marylondon]

Yes I would find that stressful too . I try & do deep breathing & think of a lovely beach before I take mine . But the second I have a worrying thought , it shoots up !

X

[AlaNtO]

With apologies this is bad medical or nursing practice. They can miss so much by not doing BP and weight measurements every visit. The first Oncologist I saw measured weight and BP at the first visit and only after a "crash" did it again finding that my weight had reduced significantly enough to lower the dose. Please do yourself a favour and insist they do it each visit especially if a month apart.

[Juleswhee in reply to AlaNtO]

Hi , weight and bloods done every month , it’s just this BP thing they didn’t seem to know about ?....Both the nurse and oncologist said “ Well you have taught us something we didn’t know today “ .Now being monitored bi weekly by my own GP and pharmacy .xxx

[Di16]

I think the oncologists should know the common side effects of the drugs they commonly prescribe. Di

[Juleswhee]

Absolutely , wonder if there are any others on this site taking Niraparib who don’t have their BP taken regularly .xx

[Mptelesca]

Hi, Julia! So sorry you were met with the rolling eyes syndrome. I have been having issues with medical staff (outside of my onc team) with not listening or giving two craps about the fact that OC is my PRIMARY issue.

I started out with a High BP which was only enforced by chemo and then Zejula. (Niraparib). My cardio dr increased my BP med and added a diuretic. Seems to be working.

The only other issue I had on Zejula was the low platelets so I'm on the lowest dose of 100mg. Glad you are with a GP who can assist you with bringing down your BP. The best of luck and love to you!

Marisa

[Juleswhee]

Hi Marisa , Thanks for the reply . My GP was on the ball so just hoping the reading goes down .Having OC is hard enough without having to deal with other health issues.Taking 200mg of zejula , no platelet issues at the moment and ca125 finally coming down .xxxJulia

[March2017]

Hi Juleswhee, are you ok, not seen you on here for a while 💞