Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Support Group
Chronic myelogenous leukemia affecst the balance of blood cells in the body, disrupting the normal balance. The cancer cells eventually begin to outnumber and push out the good cells, and could lead to anemia and easier bleeding/bruising. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with CML, this is the community to discuss your experience.
Hey there,
Its been some time since my last post. I have been reading a lot the CML support group. Everyone is always so helpfull.
I am on gleevec for 18 mo now and I have a great molecular response 0.01%, however secondary effects are quite hard, especially the fatigue, which has never subsided since the beggining of treatment. Somedays I can't even work. I also have eye edema and lower melanin production.
Last week I discussed with my doctor the possibility of changing from Gleevec to Tasigna.
He is reluctant to change my medication because according to him gleevec is less toxic and has been used in the clinic for a more time than tasigna and I have a great molecular response with gleevec.
if I change to tasigna I may get better form the fatigue. However, I am affraid that my other side effect will get worse (such as eye edema).
Is it true that gleevec is safer than tasigna?
Can anyone tell me if the side effects were better after changing to tasigna?
If you are in tasigna can you tell me your side effects?
Thank you so much!
Its been some time since my last post. I have been reading a lot the CML support group. Everyone is always so helpfull.
I am on gleevec for 18 mo now and I have a great molecular response 0.01%, however secondary effects are quite hard, especially the fatigue, which has never subsided since the beggining of treatment. Somedays I can't even work. I also have eye edema and lower melanin production.
Last week I discussed with my doctor the possibility of changing from Gleevec to Tasigna.
He is reluctant to change my medication because according to him gleevec is less toxic and has been used in the clinic for a more time than tasigna and I have a great molecular response with gleevec.
if I change to tasigna I may get better form the fatigue. However, I am affraid that my other side effect will get worse (such as eye edema).
Is it true that gleevec is safer than tasigna?
Can anyone tell me if the side effects were better after changing to tasigna?
If you are in tasigna can you tell me your side effects?
Thank you so much!
Well done on getting to MMR.
Gleevec has been around a few more years than Tasigna, so they have more data on it.
Fatigue is a side effect for Tasigna as well for a lot of people, so you won't really know how it will effect you until you try it. Fluid retention doesn't get mentioned as a side effect for it so that would be a plus for you.
If you wanted to stay on Gleevec, you could take your tablet at a different time, I took mine in the morning, fluid tended to build up round the ankles in the afternoon though. You can also go on a diuretic.
Exercise helps with the fatigue.
Perhaps you could try Tasigna with an option of switching back to Gleevec if it doesn't work out.
What about the other side effects of Tasigna?
I have read that it may cause headaches and some brain issues.
Anyone on Tasigna can mention their side effects please. I would be very gratefull!
Cheers.
You might get more response if you ask your qestion here http://community.lls.org/forum/27-chronic-myeloid-leukemia/
or
http://www.cmlsupport.org.uk/forum/1
Good luck
Sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with CML.
I don't have any experience with Tasigna, was on Glivec./Gleevec, but know most people tolerate Tasigna very well.
I was also glad to have a pharmceutical scheme in my country, bit more of a worry in the States with the costs of these meds.
I suffered extreme side effect from Tasigna within the first 3 days. I had terrible stomach pains that felt like my stomach would explode from inside out and I could only tolerate eating watermelon. My doctor immediately changed me back to Gleevec but at a lower dose. The reason for the change from Gleevec to Tasigna was due to a serious side effect diagnosed as severe leukemic cramp. However, I am taking 100mg of Gleeve since August 2011 and no side effects on the low dose. I hope you are successful with finding the right treatment that works for you.
God Bless