coughing

[DianaTrapani]

I developed a bronchial cough, likely due to lung inflammation or pneumonitis while on both Kisqali, then Ibrance. My onco stopped the ibrance and put me on antibiotics, to see if it was bacterial. When that didn’t kick it out, she put me on prednisone, which did work. Then We dose reduced and started Ibrance again. Unfortunately, after seven days, I developed the cough again. So now I’m back on prednisone and next week we will discusss switching to Afinitor because it seems I’ll develop the cough when on a ciclib drug. My concern is that Afinitor can cause the same lung inflammation side effect but it is a different class of treatment (so maybe my body will react differently).

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms after changing drugs?

Has anyone tried taking a ciclib with a low dose prednisone and not had the cough?

What questions should I ask her? Thanks

[awesome4ever]

Hi Diana. Interstitial lung disease(ILD) is a risk with most chemotherapy drugs and is well documented now with the CDK 4/6 inhibitors. I think you know in your heart that it would not be realistic to take prednisone on a regular basis just to prolong the enviable change in treatment. You probably have pneumonitis which is an inflammation in your lung tissues without an infection. It doesn't respond to antibiotic treatment because it's not an infection. Pneumonitis can cause a dry cough and as such you don't bring up mucus or phlegm.

One thing I would ask is to have a CXR...AP and Lateral if you haven't already had it. It should show if there is starting to be a buildup around your lungs.

As for Everolimus ( Afinitor) it does carry the risk of developing lung issues too as you mentioned. It has been associated with pneumonitis in 8 to 14 percent of patients. The data around this is collected from the most widely used group of patient that take it.... solid organ transport patients. I would think that the risk should be lower for most other groups that take it such as us.

My own story is I have been on Everolimus & Exemestane since late March and have had no issues with my upper respiratory track and my lungs stay clear on imaging.

Good luck making your decision. Keep us posted. Take care.

[BinkysMom]

Hi Diana, I'm sorry to hear of all the difficulties you are experiencing. I've been on Ibrance and Faslodex for over five years and haven't had any serious side effects. Please keep us posted. Best of luck and God Bless. Denise

[DianaTrapani]

After talking with my oncologist, she has discussed my case with a specialist at a research hospital, we decided to have me try Verzenio and see how I do on 100mg. If that doesn’t go well, then we may try Faslodex alone or go with Afinitor.

My first dose arrives on Wednesday. I’ll let you know how it goes with it.

[HelenWi]

hi Diana.

How are you doing with Verzenio?

Helen