Has anyone been on the middle dose of abemaciclib from day 1 of starting it and didn’t get any bad diarrhoea. Or those that reduced from top dose to this dose, did you find the dose reduction made diarrhoea a lot more manageable.
Hi rosa1, I started on the middle dose of 100mg twice a day and continued for one year. I had diarrhoea every two or three weeks and fatigue. I chose to go on yhe higher dose and took it for three months. Diarrhoea was about the same and still manageable but the fatigue got very bad together with increased breathlessness. My onc strongly advised I reduced back down to the middle dose. After a short break I started the abema again at 100mg x 2 and continue on that. I hope to stay on this dose until I finish in September. Good luck with it x
@caroleanne how bad was the diarrhoea if you don’t mind me asking. And did you get any warning or signs.
@rosa1 I would usually have diarrhoea twice, occasionally three times in the same episode. Started with slight stomach cramps which got more urgent over about 15 minutes and then the diarrhoea. I always carried wipes, tissues and spare pants when out and about and knew where nearby toilets were in shops, pubs. Im 67 and retired so dont work.
Hi Rosa1,
I started on 150mg for three months, then reduced the dose to 100mg. After about 9 months, things are more manageable. I still have occasional diarrhea and it starts with some cramps (similar experience as Caroleanne). Since last month, I take 100mg in the morning and 150mg in the evening, and so far, I don’t see any increase in the frequency or intensity of the diarrhea. I see my oncologist in two weeks, and if my neutrophil count is good, I’d like to continue with this dosage.
I was on ribociclib only managed 4 cycles as this affected my liver function also side effects of fatigue horrendous , it took 6 months for my bloods to return to normal . Therefore consultant started me on middle dose of abemaciclib 100 mg twice daily in November 2024 and I had nausea for first month then it resolved only other side effect is fatigue but I do have secondaries I’ve stayed on the same dose reluctant to increase it due to diahorrea being a side effect x