What time of day do you feel is best to take Ibrance?
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Hesgotus4sure
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Hi, Hesgotus4sure!
Welcome to the community although- as we always say - so sorry you need to be here.
I've been in Ibrance for 5.5. years, no issues, love this drug. I've never really thought about what time of day to take it, but I learned a few years in that the capsules need to be taken with food to ensure that they're effective. But they're phasing out the capsules, so maybe you're on the straight-up pills? These can be taken on an empty stomach...and are vegan, to boot! 
I know I've read accounts here about people preferring to take them at night, e.g. to avoid nausea. I don't know if this matters/helps or not, but it's been a discussion point...
I don't think I've provided much insight, but I will say that this is a great drug, e.g. has great results re: holding things at bay..
I hope you find the timing that works for you or do okay with no rational timing (as I've done! ) and that it works for you for many years...
Again, welcome!
Lynn
Hesgotus4sure in reply to
Thank you Lynn. I appreciate the welcome also. How encouraging that you have been at this and doing so well. As you said it is nice to meet you unfortunately at these circumstances.
Took my first pill at 6pm with food and had my first injection with fosledex. All is good. Wish I had found this forum before my appt. I was not sure what to expect. So thankful, now to figure out all the cycles and bloodwork dates. I'm sure its easier than it sounds.
Thanks again looking forward to many posts with this amazing group of strong loving people.
I take it a night because it makes me tired. 😊
Thanks Gordon. I will be doing the same.
Ntash01 in reply to
Hi Lynn
5.5 years.... wowza...I shall aim for that god willing! I do these calculations in my mind (very morbid) and your wonderful news is just great! Ibrance has been good to me thus far... fingers crossed I can match you x
Thank you
N x
in reply to Ntash01
Ntash01,
I smiled re: the calculations in your mind! I've always done the same...actually take it to extremes, e.g. a spreadsheet with projections (yup!) and graphs! For years I had the official "progression-free survival" graph of Ibrance in powerpoint, and to mark every month I didn't have progression I'd move the red bar representing *me* out one month further! The graph stopped at 40 months, though, so I guess I'm "off the charts"!
I don't necessarily recommend the same to you, but for me, it was very helpful and motivating/gratifying...
Wishing you many good years on Ibrance!
Lynn
breezie in reply to
Hi Lynn
I didn’t know Ibrance had to be taken with food to be effective. I thought it was just to avoid gastro issues like heartburn. Did you ask your doctor about it?
I have occasionally taken my capsule a couple of hours after eating and thought it wasn’t a problem if my stomach felt fine. I will try to be more careful about taking it at the right time in future 😯
Sue
in reply to breezie
Hi breezie...
Yeah, I thought the same thing, i.e. the recommendation to take with food was about nausea, etc., so assumed that if I didn't have these issues it didn't matter. The combination of the fact that I fast 16 hours a day *and* am forgetful re: my meds meant that I very often took on an empty stomach...for years...
...but then someone very knowledgeable on the site (maybe one of our nurse members?) explained that Ibrance needs some (?) components of food...(I'll garble this...)...maybe fats/lipids? I clearly forget the specifics, but logged it as important, accurate info...
Best,
Lynn
breezie in reply to
Thanks Lynn,
I’ll take the advice on board. I’ll also try to remember to ask at my next consultation. This information should really be on the package insert if it’s important to efficacy.
Sue
in reply to
***Important*** Only the capsules need to be taken with food, not the tablets! So you are correct, if you are taking the tablets. I took the capsules up until a couple of months ago, then tried the tablets (they're vegan, so I like that better), but just selected capsules for my upcoming shipment because the expiration date is further out and i keep a small stockpile for the apolocalypse (sp?)!
blms in reply to
I fast as well. I did a 24 fast recently. Finished eating at 6 and not until 6 the next day. 24 best for killing stem cells but then I have to be careful not to lose too much weight. But each day, I finish before 7 and usually don't eat until noon the next day. I feel best doing that.
Wow! Good to know...thank you
How often do you do that?
I willingly fast 24 hours once a month and it will have to be in my off Ibrance week.
The fasting mimicking diet is every nite now. I go from16 to 19 hours. But, now I am going to move that closer to 16 hours as it will have to do with meds.
Any tips on this bone injection?
Welcome on here ... there are quite a few of us on Ibrance here (3 years in December for me ) and also many who have previously been on it , so it is a very useful source of information , and great general support from all the lovely ladies on here .
I have always taken my Ibrance (around 7pm ) straight after my evening meal and it has worked well for me . Which country are you in ?... here in the U.K. we are still taking the capsules , which need to have food taken with them . In the US most ladies are now taking the new tablets and they don’t require food to be taken with them . They can be taken any time of day , but it must be the same time each day . Also take with lots of water ... that is very important .
I hope you do well on this protocol , it is my first treatment and I hope I can stay on it longer . I have had various side effects but have tolerated them well, taking advice from the ladies on here , who have had similar issues . Take care ! x
Ok Thank you! This is the first time I have ever reached out to others on a forum.. It sure helps knowing you all are here and have been or are going through the same scenarios. I can tell I am going to love you all! I am on the tablet here in the US. Yesterday was my first shots & pill. I actually took it at 7 also. I am feeling fine. Thank you for your support it is much appreciated!
It is critical to take Ibrance with a gallon of water daily. That is on the Pfzier page about the meds.
Hesgotus4sure,
I have been on Ibrance since 1/9/20. I take mine at 12:30 P.M. I picked this time because if I was late taking a dose, I still had eight “awake” hours to remember to take it. My oncologist said to take it at the same time and with food. (I am in the US, but have capsules.) If it was past eight hours when I remembered the missed dose, to skip it. I think I have only missed one dose, the whole 10 months.
Best!
Colleen
Thanks Colleen
I take mine in the morning with breakfast and full glass of water. Have had no issues.
Thank you!
7pm with my meal has worked well for me with lots of water - water is very important not just with your meal and meds but throughout the day.
Thank you! Water has always been an issue of not getting enough of. Guess I better step it up.
My advice (what I do) get a bottle of no less than 750ml bottle of water and drink as much I as possibly can in one go... I do not sip, savour or enjoy- I have a job to do (hydrate) it’s not just water, it’s medicine......down it 😂!!!!! Trust me it works x
Thanks!!👍Will do!
Want to add my welcome to you. As you already know this is a great place for information and comfort. I have been on ibrance/Faslodex since January this year. I am now on the lowest dose and regimen because it lowered my immune system. So I take 75mgs. in the morning with breakfast. 2 wks. on one off. No problem even with a slightly queasy stomach.
Cheers, June S.
Thank you! So thankful for yu reaching out
Are you on Letrozole too? Wondering what time to take both Ibrance and Letrozole or split them up? Thanks.
No Ibrance and faslodex injections. Sorry can't help. Take Care
in reply to Kdiet
Interesting question! I always took them together, haven't heard anything about not doing that, but it's an interesting question....
I am on Ibrance and Letrozole. I take them at the same time, with dinner each night---since it is my most consistent meal each day. (Also, since the meds can make you tired, I chose this time of day for that reason, too.) About to start my second month after needing to pause a week due to low blood/platelet counts. You can take them together.
I always take my letrozole in AM but I have had no problems with it at ALL. Now I need to go on the injections and not sure about those and what tips you may have in administering it, etc.
Hi.....Happy to hear no problems with the Letozole. So cool 😊
I know a few of things about the Faslodex. The nurse probably knows this but it is refrigerated. *It needs to be room temperature so it won't sting as much. It has a tiny needle so it takes awhile to inject. *My nurse rubbed the area lightly as she was injecting it. It made a big difference to me. * I was told not to put weight on the leg of the injection so you don't tighten that butt cheek. I was told some nurses do both injections at the same time. Mine didn't do that. She did one at a time. Would be hard to relax both cheeks *I was told to walk around after the injections and lightly rub the grape size knot to help it dissipate. The only symptom I had was sweating for a couple of days and soreness. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. I hope this helps.
Blessings to you!
Cris
How often did you get these injections?
2 more every 2 weeks then I will get it once a month. I live in Lancaster California. How about you?
I live in Bethesda MD and am currently treated at Georgetown Lombardi. Where are you treated?
Wait, ever two weeks for how long?
3 times total then once a month. I was surprised also. I was told just once a month. I belong to Kaiser Permanente.
Well thanks for the reminder about warming the meds first. Do they give you a shot in each hip?
I know a few of things about the Faslodex. The nurse probably knows this but it is refrigerated. *It needs to be room temperature so it won't sting as much. It has a tiny needle so it takes awhile to inject. *My nurse rubbed the area lightly as she was injecting it. It made a big difference to me. * I was told not to put weight on the leg of the injection so you don't tighten that butt cheek. I was told some nurses do both injections at the same time. Mine didn't do that. She did one at a time. Would be hard to relax both cheeks *I was told to walk around after the injections and lightly rub the grape size knot to help it dissipate. The only symptom I had was sweating for a couple of days and soreness. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. I hope this helps.
Blessings to you!. Cris
Yes
Hope all goes well with you.
You too my new friend. To bed now here on east coast!
Where do you live?
Welcome to the boards and please come back often.
I am on my 44th month of Ibrance and I take in the morning when I get up. I am on pills in blister packs but used to take capsules. I have always taken first thing in the morning. I like that better because of the need to drink lots of water. But everyone seems to have their own time that works best for them.
Again, welcome and come often. Best wishes. Blessings, Hannah
Thanks so much! Blessings!
I take mine in the evening along with my letrozole. I am also on the lowest dose. I have scans on Tuesday so hopefully still ok.
Also welcome to the group. It is an amazing group 💕
Theresa
Thanks🙂
Welcome, but so sorry you have to be here. I prefer to take my Ibrance in the evening after dinner. But it's very individualized. Whatever works for you. Just be sure to drink alot of water throughout the day.
Thank you...How long have yu been taking Ibrance? Are you on Fasledex also?
I've been taking Ibrance for almost 2 years and yes, I also get Faslodex shots. Both have been pretty tolerable so far! I wish you well!
Thank you so much! Appreciate your help. Stay well💞
You too. Keep posting. The women here are amazing!
I’m taking Ibrance tablet and the package insert (I’m located in US) indicates that you can take it with or without the food. Capsules, which is an older formulation, should be taken with food.
I take it along with Letrozole in the am.
Hope it helps and the best of luck to you!
Thank you! 💞
Hi! I have been on Ibrance just shy of 2 years. I don't think it matters what time of day. I take mine everyday with breakfast... And that time floats a bit normally around 8 on a weekday or Sunday and 10ish on a Saturday. My tummy seems to handle it just fine. I am on the capsules. Welcome to the forum!
Thank you, appreciate your help.
I am on Ibrance 100mg since 04/2019 and Letrozole 2.5mg since 12/2018. I take both tablets together at bedtime because they cause drowsiness and the Letrozole causes nausea. Initially I took the Ibrance capsule with food & water. Always avoiding grapefruit & grapefruit juice (per Oncologist). Directions changed when I received an email on 03/10/2020. Here's an excerpt: Please note that the new smooth-coated tablet may be taken with or without food for your convenience.
Here's What's Different:
Old – Capsule New - Tablets
Must be taken with food May be taken with or without food
Contains lactose (dairy) and gelatin Does not contain lactose or gelatin
Gelatin-coated capsule Smooth-coated table
Received in bottle; can be stored in Received in—and must be stored in—blister packs
bottle or pill caddy
Prayers & best wishes to you and us all on this journey.
Thank you so much for all the info. Very informative and appreciated! Blessings to you as well as all these fabulous Ladies!!!
Thank you Sandra for letting me hear your journey. May it work for a very very long time. This daily fluid thing I will do. Appreciate the advise. Cute name girlsptz
i've been taking Ibrance since August 2015. i switched from capsule to tablet this year. i like the tablet better, as it does not have lactose and can be taken without food. for me, i prefer to take Ibrance in the evening.
Thank you! I have been taking it at 7pm seems to be fine. Been told to make sure to consume lots of water. 😉
Welcome to the group that you never wished you had to join but VERY thankful for their support! I’ve been on Ibrance and Faslodex for 2yrs now and just got recent scan where there’s no evidence of disease plus tumor markers are in normal ranges. It’s been the best news of 2020! 😊🎉 feel blessed to have this medicine so I hope it does phenomenal things for you too. I’ve been taking my pills/tablets always in the mornings but get super tired mid-afternoon. So after talking to dr & reading everyone’s answers, I’m going to switch to evening to see if fatigue will hit during sleeping hours. The key is setting a time that you’ll remember each day!
Blessings,
Alicia
Hi Alicia! Thank you for texting. So encouraging! I am so happy God is using this for your healing. His plans for good! Giving yu a future and a hope! Expecting total healing for you!
I decided to take the meds in the evening also. 2 years Wow. I have read some on it as long as 4 years. I'm on my second week with injections again this Friday. I went homeopathic from 2017 tell now. So this is a whole different route for me.
Alicia So happy to meet you
God bless!
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