Was really looking for some advice. My mum was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her bones, and was commenced on Femara and a bone-strenthening drug Ibandronic acid. She is having some really unpleaseant side effects, mainly nausea, loose bowel movements, and really sore pains in her stomach, and I’m not sure which drug is causing them.
Is anyone on these drugs, and if so, what side effects was experienced. I just hate to see her so unwell, when the actual cancer is not causing her any pain!! Any advice would be much apprecieted.
Dear Nicola - You may see my discussion but having been on Femera for three years I really haven’t experienced any side effects other than tiredness and joint pains which have been manageable. - However I have been advised to take a bone-strenthening drug and will be seeing my doctor in the New Year to discuss it as my bone density is low. I don’t think it is the Femera giving your mother the unpleasant syptoms but would be interested to hear from others. Take Care.
Hi Nicola, (sorry lots of questions!) what time does your Mum take her Ibandronic tablet? Is she taking the tablet on a completely empty stomach? (she needs to have not eaten or drunk any liquids apart from tap water for at least 6 hours beforehand) She also needs to stay upright after taking the tablet for at least an hour and shouldn’t eat or drink for at least half an hour after taking the tablet. (I wait an hour.)
Abdominal pain and nausea are mentioned as common side effects but if the pains are bad I think she should speak to her Mac nurse (if she has one or her onc or gp.) There are infusions your Mum could have instead of the tablets. Love to you both…Belinda…xx
So sorry to hear that your mum is having horrid side effects.
I have been on femera for 5 years and haven’t experienced the side effects you mention. I’m not on ibandronic acid but understand that this drug doesn’t suit everyone and that the side effects you mention are quite common.
Like Belinda, I would suggest that your mum discusses the side effects with the medics to see if there is a better way of taking bone-strengthening drugs.
Hope your mum manages to get something sorted soon.
I’ve replied to a previous thread of yours, as my mum is also on Ferma and a different sort of bisonophosphate/bone strengthening drug. Just to say, I know how horrible it is watching your mum suffer, epecially as she was ok just a few weeks ago. All I can suggest is that your mum keeps mentioning everything to the doctors/nurses, so that they can sort things out. Unfortunatley, my mum isn’t one for ‘making a fuss’ but I wish she would sometimes!!!
Sorry I can’t be of help, but just to let you know I’m thinking of you!