Question about Ibrance

[Joan37]

Is Ibrance only for first-line treatment, meaning it's not prescribed if you've had an aromatase inhibitor before. Has anyone taken it after already having an AI?

Thank you.

[SDE59]

I have been on iBrance + faslodex since Feb '17 after taking letrosol for years. I guess the letrosol stopped working (since '09) because now I have Mbc to lymphnodes in chest.

[daf10]

A volunteer here at SHARE has been on Ibrance for about a year and a half after being on letrazole for a year. She is now stable

[Joan37]

I appreciate your replies. So, it seems that oncologists can prescribe Ibrance even if a patient has had an AI previously. Thank you.

[Kats3]

Joan,

I had the same exact question as you. My Oncologist was considering putting me on Ibrance/Letrozole. It just so happened that I had an appointment with a Dana Farber Oncologist to ask a question about liquid biopsies. When I told her that Ibrance was being considered for my next treatment, she disagreed saying that Ibrance was a drug used as a first-line of treatment.

My Oncologist and I discussed this. He said that when the guidelines first came out for that drug, it was felt that it should be a first line drug, but now there's more leeway in prescribing it. That's good to know.

I may be prescribed that next when my current drug, Xeloda, stops being effective. Ive been on three AIs already, Aromasin and Affinator may also be prescribed.

Best wishes! Kats3

[DonnaEddy in reply to Kats3]

I have been on Xeloda some June, 2017. My hand are peeling and hurt so much. I am having trouble writing, which sucks since I am an attorney. I can type though still, lol. It is hard to grip anything. My feet are peeling too, but do not hurt as bad as my hands. My oncologist just reduced my dosage. Did you experience this! Do you have any suggestions, if you did. It is so frustrating asking for help just to open a bottle or needing help for everything that has to do with my hands! I am also on Tykerb because of mets to liver, which may have the same side effects as Xeloda, unfortunately.

[Joan37]

Thinking of you, Kats3! Joan

[Rockymae]

8 years after breast cancer - it returned in 2015. I have been on Letrazol for 2 1/2 years and expect to start Ibrance in the fall. I had one metastasis (2015) in my arm bone, had aggressive experimental radiation and at this point scans have shown no progression. So yes you can start it later, but I have found no research to say whether this has any affect at this point (after 2 1/2 years on Letrazol). Since your body tends to adapt after a couple of years the oncologist figured the Ibrance was worth trying. I am nervous since I feel pretty good and do not like the side effects I have read about - particularly messing with the immune system. Any comments from those on Ibrance?

[Tap321 in reply to Rockymae]

I am very happy to be on ibrance. I am ok with minimal side effects. You may not have many side effects.

[Rockymae in reply to Tap321]

Thank you for your thoughts.

[Tap321 in reply to Rockymae]

Also don't be afraid of ibrance. My immune system may be a little weaker but my body is a better warrior at keeping the cancer cells away. I don't get sick. Just tired sometimes. But I always got tired sometimes. Wishing you the best decision for you

[Susan1953]

I have been on Ibrance and letrozole 5 months. I have no side effects except hot flashes and by 9-10 PM I am tired but that is tolerable. My bloodwork is good, just slightly below normal at times. My immune system does not seem to be effected since I am around a 2 year old g'baby often and have not been sick. I do take extra vit. C daily and eat foods high in iron to keep my RBC normal. I also walk several miles every day. Good luck to you and don't be afraid of Ibrance.

[darlenejulien in reply to Susan1953]

Started Ibrance in Oct. 2017 for metastasized breast cancer that is in the bone in my spine. So far no issues with this drug & my first scan will be in Dec. not too happy about that, but hoping it has not spread. No issues except for the thinning hair! I'm thinking I will need to go back to a wig! LoL

[Joan37 in reply to darlenejulien]

Good luck with the scan. That's often a time of a lot of scanxiety, leading up to it.

[darlenejulien in reply to Joan37]

After reading all the positive comments here, I'm confident all will go well at that scan!

[Joan37]

Sounds like you're doing well. Thank you!

[NPmary]

You can take it even if you had an aromatase inhibitor earlier. You just can't take letrazole, faslodex is usually ordered.

[Merma]

I had taken an aromatase inhibitor only for about 6 months, and then they found another tumor. Now I am continuing with the ai and taking Ibrance. So far, things are good. No new tumors.