Jyoung20 Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 Has anyone had any stomach problems with Tarceva and if so could you explain. I'm having a few now and I'm concerned it may be from this drug. I don't want to stop taking it because it's working. Any info would be great. Thanks! Living life, Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 good morning! my mom hasn't started it yet, but the doc very clearly told us that the two side effects are diahrea [sic] and a rash, and I KNOW people on here have had it, as well. my mom's doc said she could use immodiumn or other OTC stuff. good luck! xoxo bunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 Brian had a failure w/ Tarceva and was only on it for 6 weeks. Pepto Bismol helped his stomach. He said it felt like he had been punched there and the pain did not ALWAYS lead to diarrhea; but sometimes it did. Also he changed from plain water to a carbonated water. No flavor just carbonated. It was like alka seltzer to him and really helped. Why do the things that 'help' have to hurt???? Prayers for continued Tarceva success for you and for the others here that are taking it. Love Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneC Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 Jamie, I have been on Tarceva since the last week in May. I have had some mild nausea, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea off and on (mostly off). I take imodium for the diarrhea which works pretty well. Overall, I feel so much better since I've been on Tarceva that it's definitely worth it to deal with the side effects. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 I was on Tarceva for 6 months and had both the rash and the diarrhea. It seemed to cycle with both getting better and then a new outbreak and new bouts w/diarrhea. I never had to take anything as it usually only lasted a day. Also, fatigue with Tarceva is common. Good luck with the treatment and I hope that you are one of the one's it works on! TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted August 26, 2005 Share Posted August 26, 2005 so thankful tarceva is working for you. what a blessing! I take Iressa which is supposed to be very similar. Makes me have very dry skin and lots of acne on my face but otherwise is helping. Sure hope your stomach feels better soon. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 Ah, the tummy troubles. Mom has skipped the worst of the rash. She originally had acne, but now just has dry, crocodile skin. She also had the diarrhea, and was hospitalized for dehydration, but that was most likely complicated by her illeostomy. I wouldn't woory about that too much, but make sure you are staying hydrated and nourished. On the plus side, Mom has not had any growth in her tumors since she started the Tarceva. We are very thankful for it around here. Good luck! Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 My wife takes 25 Mg of promthezine as needed, for the nausea even when she was on tarceva, which stopped working after about 6 months. She is now on Etopocide with a 30% reduction in tumour size after 15 weeks. The Promethezine will make you sleepy if you take it and do so before bedtime if possible. The promethezine does work pretty good though. Immodium is the best over the counter that she has found after trying most OTC Nausea Medicines. Hope this helps you out some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie221 Posted August 27, 2005 Share Posted August 27, 2005 I've taken Tarceva since June- no stomach problems other than diarrhea maybe once a week. No advice, unfortunately. Hope this problem will be resolved so you can continue with Tarceva. Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shar Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Jamie, I haven't had any real stomach problems although I have lost around 13 kgs (I think that's about 30 pounds). Just don't have much of an appetite. Also it's hard to eat when my tongue is split from having such a bad rash. I really do hope Tarceva keeps working for you, all the best!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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