parp inhibitors

[Tracey1207]

hi I am 56 currently 7 months into Parp Inhibitors . My appetite has suffered immensely on these tablets the nausea has and still is an ongoing issue making food consumption a chore . Any tips would be gratefully appreciated

[nordic5]

Hi Tracey1207, I'm the same age, the same treatment (Olaparib+Avastin) from December 2022. Try to eat several times a day, small portion. Sometimes I eat something small when nausea starts, because it's better after meal. And drink much more. Regards

[Tracey1207 in reply to nordic5]

Hi nordic5 have you found your appetite has changed? I’m no longer able to eat anything spicy and prefer very bland food , I’m trying to up my water intake but I forget ! The chemo fog has continued and my memory has suffered I don’t know if it’s the parps or just life .. 😊

[nordic5 in reply to Tracey1207]

Yes, eg. black tea is now bitter for me (even with suger And second yes - my memory is now poor, but we can say it's chemo fog

[Hidden]

I’ve been taking the parp Zejula since February 2019.

These are the things I’ve experienced but I do understand that others may have a different experience.

1). Stay hydrated, this is my number one tip

2). Rest when you feel fatigued your body needs it.

3) when you feel fatigued get your magnesium levels checked, you may need a supplement.

4) Diet- I found there are foods I can no longer tolerate, such as, citrus fruits and drinks, spicy foods and dairy gives me a annoying cough.

5) Bathe in a warm bath of Epsom Salts helps with aches and sleep.

6) Try and get some fresh air. Just outside in the garden.

7) remember taking ibuprofen isn’t advised when taking parps. Check this on the drug interactions website.

8) I suffer with hot flushes and have yet to find a solution to this. Any tips would be welcome.

Things will improve I’m afraid it’s a case and of trial and error. Our bodies have been through so much be gentle with yourself and take care. x

[Tracey1207 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Tulip pink for your reply and like you the hot flushes are something I’m also enjoying along with cold sweats ( I’m so lucky I’m getting to experience so much 😊)

Like yourself I have no solution to this and I’m feeling the cold very much I put so many of my original symptoms down to the menopause which I still might be experiencing as they wouldn’t operate on me. I’ve cut out alcoholic drinks limit my coffee intake and try to just have water but I do know I need to try drink more which is supposed to help . It’s nice to be able to talk 💕💕 😊

[Motiva in reply to Hidden]

Hello,

Have you tried aural acupuncture for your hot flushes. I used it pre cancer diagnosis when I was starting the menopause and it was very straightforward and worked well.

Good luck ,

F x

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to Hidden]

Dear Tulippink,

Thank you for posting some helpful advice here and for sharing your experience. Regarding taking ibuprofen alongside PARP inhibitors, we would always recommend checking any possible interactions (or not) with your doctor.

Best wishes,

Alice - Ovacome Support

[Hidden in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Thank you, I agree, best wishes

[Nikk200 in reply to Hidden]

Zejula had me sick.. didn’t work on Elahere now doesn’t make me sick

[Katmal-UK]

Hi. I have been on a parp inhibitor for nearly 10 years on atrial. Make sure you drink plenty, make sure you have the correct anti sickness meds that work for you. Hopefully over time the side effects will diminish. Good luck x

[Tracey1207 in reply to Katmal-UK]

wow Katmal 10 years that’s pretty amazing your story is very inspiring.. I’ve changed sickness meds a few times and I think I’ve got a good one now ( trial & error ) hopefully over time they will diminish too . Thank you for your response 😊

[Tulips66]

Hi Tracy, I have been on Niraparib since mid January. I started on 300mgs & then had to come down to 200mgs because my platelets suffered. Then my haemoglobin was too low on the 200mgs so I am now down to the 100mgs which I can tolerate with no problems. I am not sure what dose you are on, but if you are on the higher dose maybe your oncologist would consider reducing it to help. When I was on the higher dose the heartburn & indigestion was dreadful. The anti sickness & gastro tabs didnt help very much so I tried drinking plain old milk as a last resort. I wasn't much of a drinker of milk but I couldn't believe the relief it gave me & my nurse told me its great for lining the stomach. Not sure if it will work for you but anything is worth trying. Someone also told me to drink ginger infusion tea which also helped. Good luck & hopefully you get some relief soon X

[delia2]

Hi. I was on Olaparib for three years and felt the same as you. I couldn’t stand anything bitter or sour at all. I mostly ate carbs. I found my appetite was best in the morning and worst in the evening so I tried to eat accordingly. I had several two week breaks for holidays and really enjoyed my food after the first few days.

[Alpacalama]

Hi I started treatment Dec21 with Bevacizumab and chemo with surgery in March. When completed chemo went straight on Olaparib July 22 and contd Bevacizumab until Mar 23. I had similar symptoms you mentioned and although I felt hungry and could eat, everything tasted disappointing, no enjoyment.My main problem has been fatigue. Complete exhaustion! My onc suggested a break when I finished Bev then restarted olaparib after a month. The side effects were 10x worse almost like chemo again and no improvement in fatigue so stopped the PARP altogether to get quality of life. Having taken them total 10 mths. All bloods were fine and I’m NED but still struggling with fatigue and get breathless very easily.

I’m a bit worried I should have stuck it out for the benefits. I’m 66 BTW. Don’t know if this info is of any help. X