Lapatinib/Xeloda EAP

[OzzieSue]

I started on the L/X EAP nearly 2 weeks ago. Persevered with diahhrea and mild nausea for a week then rang my Onc. She sent me to GP to be checked out and have a blood test for electrolytes and took me off Xeloda. I have been off Xeloda for nearly 5 days but still have diahhrea although not as bad. I thought it was just the Xeloda as I was on 2000mg twice a day, which seems high by reading other people's posts. I am now worried that maybe the Lapatinib is disagreeing with me and don't want to have to discontinue as I don't know what other options I have. I took Immodium a couple of times but it gave me a stomach ache, seemed like a build up of gas. I go back to my Onc next Tues.

Anyone have the same diahhrea problems and any suggestions for easing the problem would be appreciated.

Sue

[Sandy H]

I had the same thing and went off the xeloda for two weeks and than went back on a lower dose. The problem with going on the lower dose one can not go back up. I had one doctor tell me that it is best to tough it out if possible. I was very weak, heart palpations, and so my doctor felt it best to lower the dose. One can't live with diarrhea when it affects your health this way. It seems the other doctor said there is a prescription drug for diarrhea that works much better then the over counter. I was on 3000 mgs a day and now am on 2000 mgs. I am praying Tykerb gets release within the month and it can be used with other drugs. hugs, Sandy

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

you are talking about. I started on the combo last August with the dosage of Xeloda at 3000 mg. After one week on, I developed diarreah and severe gastritist(?). I worked through this by taking Immodium when needed. My onc. finally reduced my dosage and am now on 2650 mg daily. I still suffer from the loose bowels and my stomach sometimes sounds like there is an angry lion inside making noises - lol (not kidding) Some weeks are worse then others, but mostly it has resolved some. I think this is just one of the effects of the Xeloda.

Hopefully you can work through them. I also started drinking Dan Active in hopes of giving my stomach some good bacteria to help my immune system.

Good luck and hang in there.