[ElaineM]

I think calling the drug company to find out why it should be taken on an empty stomach is a great idea. I also think adjusting the dose temporarily if you have too many side effects is a good idea as long as the medicine seems to be effective. The pills will also last a bit longer that way. We know what our bodies can tolerate best.
There was a post here about taking Tykerb with food sometime ago. Maybe you could do a search (see above) on Tykerb and see if it comes up.
Did you know patients are not supposed to eat grapefuit while taking Tykerb? I think that has something to do with pathways in the body. There must be something in grapefruit that interacts with some medicines. I found that information when I did a search on my blood pressure medicine on www. drugs.com. The chemical feeling could also be some kind of interaction between the Tykerb and whatever other medicines you may be taking or food you may be eating. Everyone's body is different. You can check all your medicines for interactions at www. drugs.com. I often find things listed that my doctors don't know about. If that happens I ask my doctors and/or pharmacists to check for interactions on whatever software they have for that purpose.
Good luck. Keep up the great work.