Problems with gas?

[Hopefulwmbc]

I'm on iBrance and letrozole (and with Xgeva every 3 months). Recently I went from being constipated/taking stool softeners to sometimes diarrhea and a lot of gas. It is worse at night. I burp and have it at the other end, too. And it is not polite little tooting, but lengthy (pardon me) farts. Also, I can taste what I ate several hours before. I've never had this before now. It got so bad I purchased Gas X but that has not really dented the situation. I changed my diet to eliminate wheat but the gas is continuing. Any thoughts? You can laugh now! Thank you.

[Tam-56]

Not sure but maybe your body is trying to adjust to the new meds. Contact your oncology team perhaps they could recommend a solution.

I became a vegetarian after my DX and my stomach went through a period of adjustment with all the fruits, veggies and beans…better now.

Hope you find a solution. Take care.

[Southside25]

I was also on Ibrance/letrozole and developed an array of GI issues like you: gas, runs, constipation, stomach/intestinal/back pain (which I guess is gas). Never had these problems in my life. I started taking magnesium supplement everyday. 250mg, and it worked wonders. It really was a miracle. It's cheap and easy to find. For $10-12, it's most definitely worth a try. I have a friend who takes meds that cause stomach issues, and she was the one who suggested magnesium because she takes it.

[Hopefulwmbc in reply to Southside25]

Thank you for replying. I've been taking taking the Ibrance snd letrozole for about a year. I take 400mg of magnesium every night. Do you think I should try adding more?

[Southside25 in reply to Hopefulwmbc]

250 worked for me, I have no idea if more than 400 would work. I don't think going up to 500 a day would be harmful - I guess it's worth a try. Don't take it on an empty stomach. Be sure you're taking it with food; it's absorbed better if taken with food, like vitamins. I take mine with a full meal. There are chelated supplements and "high absorption" supplements, but I think taking it with a full meal is enough.

Have you asked your doctor for his/her ideas as to how to deal with your issues?

[cheflala in reply to Southside25]

I have been on Ibrance/faslodex/xgeve for 3 years and in the past year have had persistent diarrhea. I am in remission, so am otherwise happy with this drug regimen. I finally saw a gastroenterologist and she recommended the FODMAP diet ( eating only foods that are easy to digest, then adding back specific foods one at a time). It really helped me. Magnesium is an important mineral, but can cause diarrhea in some people. Good luck.

[morty87 in reply to Southside25]

I was severely constipated therefore I have added magnesium every day and it has done wonders for my tummy. I may have to run to the rest room at times but it is better than the alternative of sitting on the toilet with no results. Good luck!

[mariootsi in reply to Southside25]

What type of magnesium do you take? I believe there are different types.

[Hopefulwmbc in reply to mariootsi]

I'll reply— there are at least 9 types of magnesium. I take magnesium citrate, 400 mg.

[mariootsi in reply to Hopefulwmbc]

Thank you! There are many kinds of magnesium.

[Debbigbang]

I was on that combo. Did have issues with loose stool. I would eat brown rice. Seem to help. I also found these side effects were hit and miss. Some month all good, others mouth sores, next soft stool. Just part of this crazy game.

Deb ❤🙏

[Chico64]

I know here lately I have been having gas..hum..maybe that's why. I take ibrance and letrozole.

[DDIL1]

I have the same problem. Lots of belching, back pain. Did you try the magnesium? Did it work