Ibrance and GI Issues

[1stgradeteach1]

I've been on Ibrance/Letrozole since April 2021. I started on Verzenio/Letrozole November 2020-March 2021 and had to stop because I had HORRIBLE GI issues (constipation and diarrhea). In the last two weeks I have felt nauseous, minimal constipation, minimal diarrhea, and vomited once. I've been very uncomfortable. My oncologist thinks it may be due to Ibrance or Oxybuytinin (I'm taking this for hot flashes. It works great!). I decided to stop the Oxybuytinin for 2 weeks first to see if it's the problem. I'm hoping it is and I can move on. The Ibrance has been great except for the major hair thinning and now the GI discomfort. Has anyone had issues with Ibrance after being on it for a while? I really don't want to come off the Ibrance.

[8576]

I am Vezenio/Tamoxifen. I take Loperamide 2 mgs. every other day and it gets rid of the GI issues.

Cheers, June S.

[NShaft]

If you can stick it out the side effects may subside. I have been on Ibrance/Letrozole for almost 4 yrs and have virtually no SE, other than fatigue. The first 4-6 months were the the most difficult with SE.

[1stgradeteach1 in reply to NShaft]

I've been on Ibrance/Letrozole for 15 months and this is the first time I've had GI side effects. My oncologist said it could be have built up over time. Have you ever had a few days of GI issues attributed to this combo that have subsided? Your hair hasn't thinned?

[NShaft in reply to 1stgradeteach1]

My hair thinned initially but seems to have stopped. Some months I may have a few days where my stomach feels "iffy". Not terrible just not great. Some months no SE, other than the ever present fatigue, at all. I am on 75 mg. You might ride it out for a few months and see if it gets better. You dont want to give up this combo unless you really need to.

[Nocillo]

I’m on Ibrance 100 mg and no problems.

[Beattheodds]

Been on Ibrance 3years with switch from Arimidex to Faslodex 4 months ago (had more lung nodules). I do get occasional diarrhea and stomach upset. It passes and just treat with otc products. Just reduced Ibrance to 100mg and am noticing slightly less fatigue. I always remind myself that I’m lucky to not need full chemo and that these drugs are available. New drugs with less SE may be out soon and hopefully a cure!

[Ski2sea]

Hi— This is my what I go thru on the following meds. Maybe something will help you.Ibrance 125mg, Zolodex and Letrozole

I have hot flashes (taking gabapentin as need does help)

Horrible fatigue that hits between 3-7pm. I am so curious as to why some ppl get it and some don’t. Was it IV chemo? Not being thru menopause at dx?

Hair: I had chemo right before the meds so I lost all of it. My hair was always fine and thin. Since my dx I have not colored it, used any products other than shampoo, dry shampoo and coconut oil. Have not had any issues. I was concerned about thinning of my already thin hair but coconut oil has really helped me. I massage it in and sleep with it. I dont wash my hair everyday and use dry shampoo on alternating days. It looks pretty good.

Constipation: this is an ongoing thing. I go back and forth with Metamucil and miralax though another post said they use benefiber and calm magnesium mixed into tea so i may try that.

Take care — Tara

[bracelets1]

Hi! I am on Ibrance 125 - and letrozole. (5 months and 6 months respectively) In the beginning I only had diarrhea. As time passed, it became the opposite - constipation - Now, I take a stool softener EVERY DAY and miralax when needed - all recommended by my doctor. I also suffered with some relfux issues but those are now controlled by Nexium. Hair is constantly thinning - hoping at some point my body will get used to the new "new" and it will stop or at least slow down. I dread the thought a wig because of the hot flashes that the letrozole brings AND I live in the south US where the heat and humidity are terrible. Even with all the above- I feel really great and don't consider these to be anything I can't handle. Blessings!!!! M