Ibrance v. Kisqali

[Fiercelypink]

Good afternoon! Looking for information to compare Ibrance and Kiqali myself, I came across this discussion. I took Ibrance for a year and really struggled with terrible brain fog to the extent that I could hardly work, joint pain was awful, had some hair loss, and the usual neutropenia and blood work irregularities. After radiation in July of 2022, I was off everything except Tamoxifen for a year, and then my cancer showed up again in my chest wall this spring on an MRI, PET scan, and biopsy confirmed. My oncologist is trying me on Kisqali this time; he says new research shows it has slightly better effectiveness and that some patients tolerate it better. I've completed my first cycle of Kisqali and have not had the brain fog that I had in the first month of Ibrance. I've had a few headaches when I don't hydrate enough, a bit of constipation, and there are a couple of itchy spots on my arms. So far, I'll take Kisqali over Ibrance for sure!! I look forward to any feedback from those who have been taking it longer though.

[Kruza]

Hi Fiercelypink; I have been on Kisqali since February 2022 and the biggest complaint is fatigue and chemo brain. I still work full time in the office and I have had to learn some coping techniques to help me with the brain fog. I am also on Letrozole which gives me muscle and joint pain; sometimes I have to resort to pain pills or take the steroid, prednesone to help with that. I hope that the Kisqali continues to treat you better than Ibrance. Hugs to you.

[Fiercelypink in reply to Kruza]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Those side effects may be down the road for me, but I’ll just try to stay positive and enjoy feeling okay for now! I did read an article about brain fog, that it might be caused by constricted blood vessels, and that exercise helps some people. I’ve been getting a 2-3 mile walk daily. Don’t know if that is what is helping me, but can’t hurt, right?

[Gingerann1]

I will be following. My Onc said if/when Ibrance stops working I would be switched to Kisqali for the same reasons. He was very attached to Verzenio for the next option but the Kisqali data has made him change his mind so it must be significant. Hope it works well for you and others with minimal side effects.

[SeattleMom]

Hi, Pink,

I'm on Kisqali; biggest side effect has been neutropenia. My dosage was lowered from three pills to two. I will have blood draw Friday to see if this has resolved. God bless you!

Linda