Low hemoglobin and Niraparib

[Skyeplus]

It’s 2:29am and am just back from A&E. Had my usual bloods done today and at 10:15pm got a call saying my hemoglobin result were very low and I needed to go asap to hospital. Did so, fantastic treatment and back tomorrow to have a blood transfusion. Has anyone else experienced low hemoglobin whilst on Niraparib. The only symptom I have, is I became breathless.

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi Skyeplus, I had a low hemoglobin count whole on Niraparib a while back. I was very short of breath and my number was 6.9, which is very low. I needed 2 units of blood and soon felt much better. These things can happen while taking treatments, because the bone marrow makes red blood cells and they carry oxygen through the body. I was feeling fine for quite some time after that transfusion, but just this last month, my hemoglobin dropped again to 8.6. I didn’t need a transfusion , but felt fatigued and slightly short of breath. I just rested and I seemed to bounce back ok again. Cancer drugs are tough on red and white cells and I have blood checked every four weeks. I will be on this drug until July if my blood stays alright. Hope that niraparib will keep working alright for you. Sending my best wishes, Donna ( three years on this in July).

[Skyeplus in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

Thankyou Donna so much. You have described my situation exactly, my score is 6,9. It’s reassuring to know your experience as am back this morning to have a blood transfusion. I was worried they would stop the Niraparib but reading your response makes me think they won’t. I too have bloods checked every 4 weeks . Hoping that you too can stay on it and keep well. Thankyou again Di xxx

[Davonian]

My haemoglobin hit the floor several times, along with my platelets, while on Carbo/Gem. I was always ok with Niraparib. Yes, breathlessness and fatigue was one of my symptoms. Once I'd had the units of blood I felt so much better.

[Goodgirl98]

my haem went down to 6.8 but on olaparib. Just iron supplements for 2 months and slightly reduced dose helped. Now it is stabilised around 9.5; my body is used to it now and I take periodic iron supplement.

[Trickysite]

Spatone liquid iron supplement taken with mango juice plus liver at least once a week, spinach, nuts, more red meat than before are what I am on to keep red blood cells up. My haemo levels dropped 2 months after they started me on Olaparib 600 mg per day. Had c. 4 transfusions. Gradually reduced Olaparib to 400 mg a day and now stable haemo wise. Hope it works out fir you, Emma x

[Frenchhouse3]

Hi there,

I was on Olaparib for two years and during that time my HB plummeted around three to four times. I also later went on to Spartone sachets as the lady above mentioned and this seemed to help. I stated on the full 600mg of dose throughout but had little breaks of 10-14 days when I was low which enabled my iron to build up naturally. ( As advised by my Onc )I had one unit of blood just the once.

I’m almost three and a half years clear since my surgery.

I hope this helps

Denise

[NewtonEmma1900]

So sorry to hear about your platelets. I am only 2 weeks into this treatment so no real experience but I wish you well and hope the transfusion helps. 🙏