Migraine headache

[Bigsisterof11]

I just finished my sixth cycle of Ibrance and letrozole. The last two months I’ve been having headaches nearly every day and most recently they’ve become migraine headaches. Today I actually experienced 5 minutes of speaking difficulties with the headache. Does anyone else seem to have headaches like this?

[Maludagui]

Hi 👋

I have experienced headaches but not in all the Ibrance cycles (I go for the 19). So don't think about it too much. Take some pain reliever that your doctor recommends Put an ice bag and let's move on. Have a good night

[MyMiracle13]

When I was on I dance/Faslodex, I didn’t experience headaches but when I changed Faslodex to Letrozole, I experienced headaches during the first month and a half. Now I don’t experience the headaches anymore. They weren’t bad headaches though.

[MacroMom]

Headaches every day and one serious enough to interfere with your speech sound like a reason to call your oncology office. Ibrance info states that about 20% of people on it get headaches, but this sounds pretty debilitating. Is it any better on the days you don't take Ibrance? If so, perhaps a lower dose would help. Let's see what the Ibrance experts here say, but I suggest letting your doctor know too.

And are you really the big sis of 11?

[Barbteeth]

Hi there

I’ve been a migraine sufferer all my life and the migraine you’ve had sounds like a hemiplegic one...I’ve had those on occasions and talk gobbledegook for a while and sometimes feel numb in my hand...they can be scary...the first time I had one i thought I’d had a stroke

However I took Ibrance/letrazole for over a year and didn’t notice any extra migraines...if anything they reduced in frequency after my menopause....I suppose in some ways it indicates you have less oestrogen in your body? Which is good

I would mention to your oncologist as there are prophylactic pills you can take or even a minimum aspirin a day ( worked for me)

They’re awful though and I feel for you...life’s bad enough without that

Barb xx

[Teddielottie]

Hello there ! I am not a migraine sufferer however I have had the odd headache since being on Ibrance especially in the early days of taking it . I found I was not drinking enough water and it really made a difference once I started carrying a bottle of water with me (I even have one beside my bed ) . If I want a change from water , I drink decaf tea , decaf coffee , decaf green tea ,hot water with a slice of lemon and spoon of honey or no added sugar squash. Try increasing your water intake and see if it makes a difference ... if it continues let your onc know . Take care ! x

[Hidden]

I had migraines twice a month on Ibrance but never involving spreading difficulties. I would call your doctor today and let them know just in case.

[Valisa]

Sorry to hear you are experiencing so many headaches. I would definitely call your oncologist to review. Especially if this is a new symptom. I have had migraine headaches all my life and I have not noticed an increase since being on Ibrance and letrozole. In the first 6 months I did notice more headaches, they were different then the migraines I experienced before. My oncologist sent me for an MRI as a precaution to ensure that it was not anything new.

I hope you start to feel better and that you can get this resolved. Take care. 🤗

Lisa

[Kdiet]

I have headaches too. They are a part of neutropenia from the Ibrance. I am on Ibrance 75mg and rarely have them. Drink as much water as you can. Try to eat healthy snacks throughout the day.

[Hidden]

I would call your oncology office . The affected speech sounds serious to me .

I have constant sinus headaches but not migraines.

Please call Dr s and take care of yourself .

Try to drink more water also .

Luann

[Timtam56]

I was on 125 mg Ibrance with Letrozole, and I did have a lot of headaches and migraines. I’m now on 100mg ibrance and they are less frequent.

But it is so awful, and not so easy to just take an aspirin and move on as Maludgui said!

I actually think migraines are so debilitating, you need support when you feel that bad. So go gently on yourself.

And I agree with others here, and would see a doc too. With that speech thing. Not something that an online forum can decide on. Best be safe than sorry.

[doomkiller]

Hi

I certainly feel for you. Yes, I've had the headaches plus every other side effect that goes with prolonged use of both Letrozole and Ibrance until I couldn't take it anymore. I was taken off it for a bit and then put on Anastrozole. However, within 3 days of taking this drug, I experienced worse side effects. I am currently on Ibrance and Zoladex but have not gone back on Letrozole as Zoladex works as an oestrogen blocker in itself. Being a stage for breast cancer patient and everything that goes with it is more than I can bear. Talk to your oncologist and find something that works for you. I seem to fall into the category that is experiencing all the side effects, and I often feel quite alone until I discuss what the meds are doing in my monthly appointments with my oncologist. Know that you are not alone. your oncologist is the person most qualified to give you options and understand what you are going through. I tried acupuncture for a while until the lockdown started. Try having a combination of echinacea and rosehip tea - works wonders. and is easily accessible on the web.

Take care.

[AuntC]

Hi,

I used to have migraines, way before I was diagnosed with MBC. I know everyone is different but when I started taking Feverfew they totally stopped. Feverfew is an herb so I would check with your doc or pharmacy to make sure it's ok to take with Ibrance. I hope you find something that helps.

Carolyn