Herceptin Bloating/Indigestion

[Linda in TX]

I started on herceptin every three weeks, 3 treatments ago. After this last one I have been experiencing alot of indigestion and bloating. At times I honestly feel like my stomach is going to explode!! I know this can be a side effect of the herceptin and am wondering if any of you have/had this problem. I've tried rolaids (tasty little mint of no help whatsoever) and tums (the long lasting kind that tastes absolutely horrid and didn't do a thing!!). I don't see my onc until June 3rd so was hoping someone could suggest something that would help. Thanks!

Linda

[cathyb]

I had good results with Maalox Max which has an anti-gas ingredient. Maybe it will help you, too. Good luck!!! cathyb

[Lolly]

I take Prilosec OTC, one a day, for acid reflux, and watch salt intake to control bloating.

[Steph N]

Hi -
I hope it is not JUST the Herceptin and is perhaps cooincidental with something else.
I do not have these problems and been on Herceptin and Zometa for almost 2 years, but did when taking the Herceptin with chemos.
I found that some herbal teas to aid digestion worked very well. I also took Ranitidine to control the stomach acid during and for a while after the chemos.
You may want to get checked to make sure you have not developed GERD (acid reflux) which can be hard to diagnose for some people.
Hope it gets better, as you will need the Herceptin for a LONG time!

[Eleanor]

Hi Linda,
I take Zantac (the generic equivalent) daily and drink alot of water. I also try to keep meals small and snack on carbs (pretzles & crackers). This keeps it under control but once in a while I have to take Alka Seltzer, it's the only thing that works for me. Unfortunately, that's one of those OTC drugs that is frowned upon while on chemo. So that would have to checked by the onc.
el

[kristen]

Hi Linda,
I have IBS along with everything else and while I had the bloating and heartburn, I have a prescription for Levsin. It worked great on me.