I forgot my meds: What is wrong with me... - SHARE Metastatic ...

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I forgot my meds

Mindysooty profile image
54 Replies

What is wrong with me? How on earth have I forgotten to take my meds. Sat here with my morning coffee and literally just remembered. Usually have it around 9pm. I panicked and took it quick but now thinking should I have just left it. Cant believe Ive forgotten. Has anyone else done that? I think I'm gojng to have to put an alarm on to remind me. Lol what an idiot.

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Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty
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54 Replies

Not sure I can be of much help. I have read the leaflet on Ibrance and it says to take it as normal when you forget - oops.

Perhaps if you start afresh with your new dose starting in the mornings from now on, this might be ok and you might remember to take it.

Don’t worry about it

Clare xx

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to

I'm more worried about the fact that I forgot in the first place!! Who does that lol. I've forgotten a couple of times but remembered in the nick of time just before I've gone to bed but never completely forgotten until next day. I blame the Letrozole hahaha.

xx

nstonerocks profile image
nstonerocks in reply to Mindysooty

Yes the letrozole is a wicked little pill!

Morning Josie,

First off, you are not an idiot! Do you have an out of hours number to your oncology nurses? I have an office hours number and also an emergency number I can call at any time. If so, I would give them a call and ask for some advice. Hopefully missing one dose won't make much of a difference.

Take care,

Sophie ❤

Stage4Gir profile image
Stage4Gir

Who does that? Haha I ’ve done it! I have reminders set on my phone that pop up but I’ve been out and forgot when I got home. I just told myself it’s a one dose break and began again the next day. When the mind is so full, it can only remember so much. At least that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it ;)

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to Stage4Gir

Me too and much more than once.

Onie54 profile image
Onie54 in reply to Stage4Gir

I’ve done that as well, especially when I’ve been sick with a bout of diverticulitis and can’t eat much. I usually only miss one dose.

I keep the extra ones as backup, if ever I drop one down the sink! 🙄

Sunnydrinking profile image
Sunnydrinking

I always set an alarm on my ‘phone to remind me to take my meds, especially as I’ve been advised it best to take them at the same time each day if possible.

myrtice profile image
myrtice in reply to Sunnydrinking

I was advised to take the Ibrance and Letrozole at night so that if I had nausea I would be asleep. I’d like to change to after breakfast as I’ve not had side effects as I know of. Going in second round Monday. I find it difficult to eat at the same time at night. Any advice?

Sunnydrinking profile image
Sunnydrinking

Meant to add to my previous post that even with an alarm I forget now and again too. You’re not an idiot.

nstonerocks profile image
nstonerocks

Don’t worry. Maybe nice that the cancer “slipped your mind” for once. If you think it will be a frequent problem, set your phone alarm.

Tobysasha65 profile image
Tobysasha65 in reply to nstonerocks

Great response Nstonerocks..the next time I forget I’ll just remind myself of your post!

Obviously that’s the reason we forget 😂😘😀

kduck profile image
kduck

Im on the same pill as you, I see you take it at 9 pm. Do you be achy in the morning? I ask because I take mine at 7pm and Im very achy at night. I still work and I want to take it later in the night, my doc said I would be achy in the morning

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to kduck

Hi, no not at all. I started taking mine between 9 and 10 pm because that's when I have my tea - very late I know but it's a habit. I thought if I take it at night I might not feel any symptoms while I'm asleep :). It works for me. x Well, when I remember it does lol

Stage4Gir profile image
Stage4Gir in reply to Mindysooty

Just curious how you get to sleep when having tea so late? Do you have decaf?

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Stage4Gir

Tea where I come from is evening meal lol (as well as the drink). I do usually finish with a coffee thpugh - not decaf. Doesnt affect me. X

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty

ah thanks ladies. Glad to hear I'm not alone here. Like Nancy says, it's good that I forgot about cancer for the night :)

rpeacock profile image
rpeacock

I’ve done it, so I set a timer to go off everyday at the same time to remind me to take my meds.

Thrifty51 profile image
Thrifty51

I forgot a daily dose once and I called the oncology pharmacist that is assigned to me by me oncologist (she is a sweetheart and tells me to call her anytime with any questions) and she advised me just to skip that dose and not to double up the next day.

If you can check with your doctor that would be best.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Thrifty51

it's too late I panicked and took it yesterday morning lol. I'm fine though, just took my usual dose last night - a bit later to try and balance it out at bit. No ill effects so it's all good. Thanks. xx

Red71 profile image
Red71

I used to take mine with dinner and would forget if we went out. I would just take it the next morning and then resume normally that evening with no resulting problems. Now I just take it with all my am meds and never forget it. It doesn’t make me hurt or feel any different no matter what time I take it. Elaine

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Red71

yeah, I did just that. I panicked as soon as I remembered and took it quick. Took my usual dose last night and I'm fine :). Thanks.

I have an alarm set on my phone, and there are numerous times it goes off where I’m grateful I have it set. I can’t tell how many times I’ve said to myself, thank goodness for the alarm or I’d never remember to take them.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty

It's good in a way because it means we're forgetting about our cancer :). xx

kearnan profile image
kearnan

I forget to take my evening dose about every three days. (I was on Ibrance, but now on Verzenio which I am supposed to take twice per day with no breaks). Just seen that I forgot last night's dose. The med said if you forget a dose, just continue the next day. With this Verzenio, I have forgotten to take my second dose several times and don't realize until the next morning. All will be fine. Even with Ibrance, there were days I totally forgot to take it and then would just continue the next day. I told my onco and she said it is not that big a deal to occasionally forget to take it but that I should have a method in my place so that it does not happen that often. I go by memory...obviously, not working for me.

kearnan profile image
kearnan

I remember when on Ibrance and I had forgotten my first dose. At that time, the pfizer nurse from CVS was calling once a month. I told her that I had forgotten to take it (the first time it happened) and she told me not to worry, just continue to take it the next day (and again put something in place to remind myself to take it). I put the pills near my coffee pot bc I never forget to drink coffee in the morning. She also said not to double up to make up for it.

hdhonda profile image
hdhonda in reply to kearnan

How does CVS pack your Ibrance when they ship to you in hot months? They just had to replace my Ibrance for the third month in a row, because it did not arrive anywhere near Pfizer and FDA guidelines. They gave me a hard time this time and put me on a three way call with Pfizer. Pfizer said it had probably been compromised and not to take it. CVS mentioned a study that Ibrance could go -4 F to 104 F. Pfizer told them study was not published or done correctly and they do not accept it. CVS Caremark Specialty Drugs replaced it. I called FDA about study. They have no record of study showing Ibrance surviving temperatures of -4 F to 104 F. But, I do have letter from Pfizer saying the study is not recognized. Blessings Hannah

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to hdhonda

I was only one it for three months. I hated it. I never felt as sick as I did on my week off. I felt like I was dying and could only lay in bed. But it was shipped to me via federal express in a box and then when I opened the federal express box, it was wrapped in bubble wrap and then in another box. It was like one of those gag gifts, but I finally came to the bottle. They were never stuck together or anything. They seemed fine. I even stopped the wearing of gloves after the first few days. I just washed my hands after handling. Now that I am on Verzenio, the pharmacy delivers them to my apt. personally. They will call and tell me but I have a doorman that can sign for them so I do not have to stay home and wait. But the pharmacy itself which is located in Brooklyn for the Verzenio has a delivery person bring them to the building.

hdhonda profile image
hdhonda in reply to kearnan

According to the National Weather Service, when it is 90 F in ninety minutes, the inside of an unair-conditioned vehicle, the temperature will rise to 138 F. A scary thought for medicine shipped in vehicles without hearing or air. Blessings Hannah

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to hdhonda

I never had a problem until the end when I had a few Ibrance left and instead of putting them back where I was supposed to, I left them on the counter near the stove which I used. The next morning four of them were stuck together (how stupid of me). So I tried to break them apart. I was able to salvage two and the other two opened and the powder went on my hands so I just washed them good. But after that I was taken off the Ibrance anyway.

hdhonda profile image
hdhonda in reply to kearnan

It sounds like the heat from the stove may have compromised the Ibrance. You have had a bad experience with Ibrance. Blessings Hannah

PJBinMI profile image
PJBinMI

When I saw the words "I forgot my meds", I thought you were going to say you were on an airplane over an ocean and had forgotten to pack a couple of weeks supply of your meds! lol Now that might be a real problem, a seriously big problem, but I don't think missing a dose of our cancer meds occasionally is going to matter a year from now! I have a couple of morning meds that I shouldn't take at the same time as another med, so I have to split up my morning meds into two batches and take them at least a couple of hours apart and I rarely take the second batch at the same time two days in a row but I do get them in before noon and this has been going on for at least four years without problems. I really try to save my worry for big stuff--something that will make a difference in a year!

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to PJBinMI

I had to get off Ibrance for almost four months bc of an infection that would not heal because I was on the Ibrance. Even after they took me off and gave me five weeks of antibiotics (which always worked in the past with this reoccurring infection), the infection got worst and I had to have surgery and had tunnels cut in my leg. I was told and they were right it was excruciatingly painful recovery and was on 10 mg. of percocet three times per day for almost two months straight. The pain made me insane and living alone was extra hard. I was so angry and hated the Ibrance even more because I realized it had compromised my immune system so much that I had to have this horrible surgery. I also had to have a nurse come every day for three months (expected recovery was supposed to be one month) and wrap and unwrap it every day because I was unable to. I am now heavily scarred there. So far with all the cancer and these meds, this was the worst thing that happened to me bc of the Ibrance. My onco then decided NOT to put me back on so all I was getting was the falsodex injections. And now on Verzenio instead.

PJBinMI profile image
PJBinMI in reply to kearnan

I developed a fairly serious lung condition from Ibrance. So I'm not a fan of it. On it for several cycles in 2016, started becoming short of breath and onc and then pulmonologist immediately connected the problem to Ibrance. My lungs have not improved in the three year s off--I have two difference inhalers.

by far the worst side effect I've had.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to PJBinMI

I have heard that but it is supposed to be rare. I am now on Verzenio and when it was released in Japan, there were numerous accounts of women suffering from intestinal lung disease attributed to Verzenio and the Japan Dept. of Health advised doctors to be careful when prescribing Verzenio for Japaneses women with stage iv breast cancer. So the manufacturers added it on their warning label to consumers in Japan. It was said that primarily Asian women seemed to have a tendency to get this side effect. A small amount but more than what was expected.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to PJBinMI

I know, I thought that afterwards lol. It was just in the moment and I panicked and took it quick but then thought maybe I should have just skipped it. No matter, all's well, the sky didn't fall down lol. xxx Thanks xxx

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15

I have done the same thing!

hdhonda profile image
hdhonda

I have forgotten mine before. Just end up taking an extra day.

I also, have taken two does in one day. Hours had passed when I realized it and I was still alive and kicking so I just skipped the next day. Blessings, Hannah

Eliactida1955 profile image
Eliactida1955

Hello!! I think I would take it as soon as remembered or skip a dose if you are faithful. Don’t look at me because 5 months after starting Ibrance they couldn’t find my tumors and I had 4. Every pet scan since there is nothing lighting up and sclerotic lesions . Calcified lymph node that was positive in left axilla. I skip about 12 days of my schedule-another wards I take it for 16 days then start over after that break . I feel like I need the rest and worry about wbc and rbc dropping and they have. I never told my onc . He’s the one that wanted to do chemo radiation and surgery but I put it in the hands of God. Never stop believing and no I wouldn’t worry at all for missing a dose. 🙏

diamags profile image
diamags

I pput mine on top of my phone when I go to bed. When I wake up, in order to see my phone, I have to take them. It works like a charm!

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to diamags

good plan :) x

SunshineBoss profile image
SunshineBoss

It’s hard to remember all the time! Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’ve missed before and just take it the next day at the same time I normally do. ❤️

Godbeforme profile image
Godbeforme

We all forget to take pills sometimes, be good to yourself and you are NO idiot! talk sweet to yourself, I learned last week that there is a part of our brain that only responds to our own voice, already forgot the name for it LOL but I know IT is listening <grin>. Jesus loves you, He has you in the palm of His hand! <3 xo

Topaz_77 profile image
Topaz_77

Oh yes, I have most definitely done this. I lost a whole day because I went for a run without prepping with any nutrition. I fell asleep for over 12 hours while my body recovered, woke up and discovered that it was almost the next day, and then panicked because I was well past the time I was supposed to take my meds. I was especially freaked out because I was on the 21-day Ibrance cycle and was nearly at the end of the 21-days. I googled and read that if you miss a dose you should just wait and take the next dose at the regular time the next day, which I confirmed with my assigned pharmacist later. I also read that you have a 1-2 hour window to take your meds. Anyway, after that, I set an alarm on my phone so I wouldn’t miss again.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Topaz_77

I just took it as soon as I remembered - next morning! I panicked and then thought oo, maybe I shouldn't have taken it lol. I did consider moving my times to the mornings but I like my evening routine - as long I remember to do it lol. Anyway, everything's fine - the world hasn't stopped turning cos I missed a does and/or took it too late! :) xx Thanks.

Topaz_77 profile image
Topaz_77 in reply to Mindysooty

Good 🙂

myrtice profile image
myrtice

I do put an alarm on my phone because I too forgot. After all we’re just human.

Southside25 profile image
Southside25

Don't be so hard on yourself. I forget to take my meds occasionally. So you miss a day every 2 or 3 months? I seriously doubt it makes a difference. It's not like you miss a dose 2 or 3 times a week. Don't worry so much.

suzi-mac profile image
suzi-mac

I've done it as well, and been just as upset with myself! Can't believe I could forget something like that! I even keep mine in the kitchen where we eat so that doesn't happen, and yet.... 🤦‍♀️ Now my husband & son have permission to remind me every single evening if necessary and I'm not allowed to roll my eyes at them.

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to suzi-mac

Haha good plan x

Lovemylakie profile image
Lovemylakie

Don't feel bad. I have a reminder and an alarm set for my meds daily.

I have all my pills in dispensers. I just happen to have three of them 😱. I have still forgotten to take them but usually it’s my pain meds which reminds me itself. Don’t feel bad. Blame it on the meds.

Stacey7 profile image
Stacey7

Yes , I have forgotten. Never used to be like this tool birth control in my twenties for ten years and didn’t forget to take a single one. I belong to a couple of breast cancer groups and the ladies in the group call the memory fog chemo brain. A lot of the medications we take meds with our hormones which I turn seem to mess with your memory. I don’t know if you have kids but if so it reminds me of the weird brain fog I had while pregnant, I believe the memory issues are due to hormones. I promise you are not alone. As for taking it right away not sure if that was the best plan. You should speak with your doctor. When I asked mine about missing a dose I was told to not worry about it and take my next scheduled dose at my regular time. I was told that it’s better to miss one than risk doubling up. I use a pill box with the says of the week on it to remember:)

Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty in reply to Stacey7

Defo gaby brain lol. Im fine there were no ill effects. Thanks x

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