Moved this from Herceptin Side effects
 

Is Tykerb as terrible as it is reported by some??? Please reply from anyone on Tykerb
I don not know how to start a thread. Is there anyone who could help me?? I reply to others but wanted to post one. I wrote it out in the thread section, but didn't know how to send it. THANKS Mary Jeanne

I think Brenda is one of our resident Tykerb Diva Experts....she could help you with this one...she seems to have found the key to making it tolerable for her
BRENDA???????????

I am on Tykerb now, and have been for about 4 months.
the side effects I am having is diarrhea(sp).. other than that this is a tolerable and fairly easy to take.
for me.this is a lot easier than chemo.

I've been on it for 10 weeks and so far it is really easy. I have brief periods of diareah a few days a month but all I have to do is take 2 anti diarrheal pills as soon as it starts and then it's fine. If I am going to be traveling or somewhere where I think it might be hard to find a bathroom then I just take the anti-diarrheal in the morning so I don't have to worry about an embarrasing moment :).

I really have been amazed how easy this treatment is for me. Of course everyone is different.

It depends on the person, but I think more people tolerate it very well than those who have problems with it. And it can be dose adjusted as well...

I have had almost no side effect at all. I take it in combo with Xeloda which also comes with potential side effects (and can also be dose adjusted).

My most noticeable side effects were the first 2 months, when I had a 2 week rash of dry skin on my cheeks, foot syndrome that appeared like ingrown toenail and sporadic bouts of diarrhea. After diet corrections and discipline and a bit of my body getting used to the drugs, most of my side effects went completely away. I have been on the combo for 15 months now.

I do still treat my feet several nights a week with a slathering of moisturizing cream and socks, to ward off the very mild hand/foot syndrome that I do experience (occasional crack in heels, but they go away). My fingernails don't grow much as they are very weak, but I can live with short fingernails. My hair has grown back much thinner than normal, but but no big deal, at least I have hair, finally!

All in all, I am thrilled with my Tykerb experience... please don't be afraid of it.