Diarrhea and 'off' feeling with Herceptin?

[DianneS]

Hi again,

I have had 14 Herceptin treatments so far. I finished the Taxotere/Carboplatin in March 2009 and have been given Herceptin since November. I finish in Oct.

Question: Does anyone have diarrhea frequently with Herceptin? I seem to have it a lot unless I take Immodium. One a day helps to slow things down, but is this normal to have my tummy screwed up? Also my appetite isn't the best....I'm not losing weight but there are times I just don't have much appetite. My energy is ok, not the best but I expect Herceptin is responsible for this.

I did a google search and it does say that Herceptin can cause nausea, diarrhea, headache, etc., but I wondered how many of you experience this, and not just around the time when you get a treatment? Also I seem to be getting more hot/cold chills with this Herceptin tx I had Aug 6. Other than that, I walked for an hour today on some trails with hubby & dogs and am trying to cope.

Any input.....????? Thanks!

Diannes

[MJo]

I had diarrhea with Herceptin. As for feeling "off," I think I got used to it, because a few months after I finished Herceptin, I began to notice how much better I felt. I, personally, was not at my peak for the nine months I took Herceptin. I'm not surprised you feel "off." It is strong medicine. This is not aspirin we are dealing with!

[janieR]

Hi Diannes,

I had diarrhea frequently when I was on herceptin but all I can say is that the drug is worth a million dollars so try and stay with it.

I finished Herceptin early october 2007.

The main thing is I am still ned and so it was worth it!

Best wishes to you.

Janie

[DianneS]

Thanks Janie & Mjo for your responses. Did you have diarrhea just around the time of Herceptin infusion, or every day?

Like I said if I don't take Immodium every day, I get diarrhea. This has been going on since Nov. 08.

What did you guys take for this problem?

Thanks
Diannes