Ibrance schedule

[Greatday2]

Do any of you take longer than 1 week off? Like maybe take 9-10 days off? I would really like to do this once in a while because I think it would help my blood cells to recover more. My doctor isn't really in favor of this but I was just wondering if any of you do this on your own.

[Red1246]

My NP, with permission from my oncologist, put me on a 3 week on and 3 week off routine of Ibrance.

My WBC’s take 3 weeks to come back to normal before starting a new cycle. I’ve been on this schedule for the last 3+ years and my regular CT scans show stable each 3 months.

I’ve been on Ibrance 100mg since October, 2019, having dropped from 125mg when WBC’s dangerously low.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best on your treatment. Hugs, KS

[Greatday2 in reply to Red1246]

Thanks for your reply. That sounds like a great schedule. I would love to be on that schedule! My numbers aren't super low, they just don't come back up to normal ever. My oncologist isn't concerned - I just would like to see my numbers hit near normal once in a while.

[Praising in reply to Red1246]

So only if stable? I’ve had mild progression

[Hazelgreen]

With my oncologist's support, I take ribociclib on my own schedule which is weekdays on, weekends off. This schedule keeps my cancer antigens in the normal range so they are not growing ( I have breast cancer in many sites).

Most importantly, my leukocycte count stays well above the very low level (below 1) where it was on a three weeks on, one week off schedule. It is still not in the normal range (it's currently 2.7, not the Canadian standard of 4.1+) but at least I have some protection from infection.

Please note that weekends off mean I take ribociclib (with letrozole) on 20 days every 28 days. On a three weeks on, one week off schedule, I would be taking meds on 21 days every 28 days. We're really only talking about 1/28th less!

[Greatday2 in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thanks for sharing. My numbers have never been extremely low; but they just always stay low, no matter where I am in the cycle. My oncologist isn't concerned about it. I just want my numbers higher once in a while!

[Praising in reply to Hazelgreen]

Any progression on this schedule

[Hazelgreen in reply to Praising]

None, so far. It's now been more than two years that I've followed this schedule. At 79 years of age, I don't want to get sick again.

[Threadsgirl]

I am currently on a three week on two week off schedule, 125 mg dose. I never totally recover to a normal wbc and anc, but it has been stable for a few years now, no low dips. My oncologist is very by the book and generally follows what is recommended. After two or three times that I had to wait another week this became my schedule. Pfizer has recommendations about when Ibrance should be held according to neutrophil levels. Maybe you can use these to discuss with your oncologist.

[Greatday2 in reply to Threadsgirl]

Thanks for your reply. My levels have never been super low. But they don't ever seem to be anywhere near the normal level. They just seem to stay low no matter where I am in the cycle. That's why I wanted to give it a little more time to see if they would come up more. Thanks again! How long have you been on Ibrance?

[Threadsgirl in reply to Greatday2]

4 year anniversary coming up this month. I’ve thought about taking a break at times but figured it would show up on bloodwork and I would have to fess up!

[Rotagirl]

I regularly take 8 days off as I know 7 days is not enough to get neutrophils up to 1.00. I have been on this combo (palbo and letrozole) for 6 years and am on 75mg. Hope that is some help. I have not told my oncologist I am doing this !

[Greatday2 in reply to Rotagirl]

lol that's what I am thinking of doing! Thanks for sharing.

[Praising in reply to Greatday2]

Me too. But she has me come back for blood draw to make sure it’s over 1. Ugh

[JEE123 in reply to Rotagirl]

Do you find that you feel better? It seems like a small thing that could be very beneficial if you feel better. I'm only taking my AI every other day on my week off to try to give my body as much of break as possible.

[Rotagirl in reply to JEE123]

I know how you feel. It seems to be non stop pills. I do not notice any difference with 1 extra day perhaps I would if it was more. I am on a 3 month routine because my bloods have been consistently just OK. and scans have been 'no change'. I must admit that sometimes I take 20 pills not 21 to fit the date I know the clinic will be calling after a blood test and before the new 3 monthly prescription. Hope that makes sense! I am 84 so not having to rush about to work although I am out and about most days. Q of L is so important. All the best. Fay

[Praising]

guess I could stop pill earlier

[Dragonfighter]

I took an extra week at one point, but it was recommended by my oncologist/