Thinking of lowering ibrance to 100mg since 125 mg fatigue is problem

My onc says she’s made this switch when a patient’s WBC counts are too low. Mine are ok. But the fatigue is concerning after 8 cycles. I’m going to finish this cycle at 125 mg, but unless i see some stability I’m inclined to move to100 mg. My onc is willing to give it a try. The afternoon naps aren’t enough to manage fatigue. I’m otherwise healthy but can keep up activity due to fatigue. It’s affecting the quality of life I need. Anyone drop to100 just cuz of fatigue?did you notice an improvement? In what way? Thanks.

[Southside25]

I dropped from 125 to 100 after about 9 months at 125 due to other side effects, mainly GI issues. Out of nowhere, I'm just now experiencing fatigue and will drop to 75 starting next month. Lowing dose has improved my neutrophils to the point where they are within the normal range, and scans 2 weeks ago confirm that disease is stable. I hope going to 75 will help with the fatigue...I want to sleep all the time!

I've read in several places that if Ibrance works, it works regardless of dose so if you're worried about lowing the dose, I wouldn't be too concerned. I've read of several women on different support site who have been doing well for 2-3 years at 75mg.

[Hidden in reply to Southside25]

Thanks. Did you notice an improvement with your fatigue when you moved from 125 to 100?

[Southside25 in reply to Hidden]

The fatigue just started a couple of weeks ago. My SE have, for the most part, been random. Some days I feel pretty good; some days I feel like crap. The GI issues did improve, though. I'm hoping the fatigue and loss of taste will improve on 75.

[Francesca10]

I couldn’t handle 125 at all. Went to 75-still a lot of fatigue but am working full time and managing with it.

[Barbteeth]

My oncologist only has one patient on the high dose...we’re all on 100 mg or 75 mg...can’t see why you’re not on a lower dose

Barb xx

[Hidden]

Thanks Sandra. To answer your question, my WBC is not normal per se but within acceptable levels for my condition.

[Hidden]

I have vicious fatigue. I can barely function and can’t even take care of my home. I am now on 75 mg and still tired. My blood levels do drop low each cycle and I always have to take a three week break instead of one week for my levels to get back in a safe range to start again. I constantly worry that the Ibrance isn’t working as it should if I’m not taking it as it is prescribed.

[Southside25 in reply to Hidden]

I've read that it's not good to take extended time off the drug. I'm on a 5/2 schedule which I think helps neutrophils because you take the 2-day break every 5 days and your blood levels don't drop so low and can more easily rebound. At least that's how it worked for me.

[Hidden in reply to Southside25]

I am going to ask my oncologist about this next week. He has never mentioned that type of dosage.

[Livinthedream]

I demanded to go to 75 mg because all doses are equally effective. Save yourself from all the side effects including low wbc.

[2muchsqueeze]

Hope the reduction is going well and the fatigue is less. I am glad your oncologist has at least suggested a reduction. Mine would not and that was upsetting. It seems falsolodex and ibrance both can be very tiring. I liked anastrozole and it seemed to be working fine!

[Hidden in reply to 2muchsqueeze]

Thank you. I’ve been on 100 mg from 125 for a week. I do notice a positive difference. The crushing fatigue is gone. Yes, I still get tired but dramatically less. My onc says we will keep an eye on all my counts. If they bump up, I can return to 125. Studies I’ve read shows efficacy for 100 is still ok. Good luck.

[2muchsqueeze]

Glad to know the fatigue is lifting!