Ribociclib - when to take it

[jennifervaldez]

I was I at first encouraged to take Ribociclib toward the beginning of the day (a little more than a year prior) yet now the counsel is to take it simultaneously every day - I think a couple of hours whichever way is alright, as long as it is generally a similar time every day, so I take it at night now as I can get a handle on a touch of it s few hours subsequent to taking it, and clearly this is simpler when I'm sleeping instead of at work early in the day.

[Marie9]

Really good to hear that you’re feeling ok so far and you’ve got a time that works for you too.

I think from what I’ve read everyone is so different in their responses..... my gastric side effects were worse initially but much better now. I have fatigue symptoms too but that’s also as a result of poor sleep with fulvestrant and night sweats. I still manage to exercise regularly during the day but pace myself and have to be kind to myself if I need a nap! Other side effects have reduced a lot since my dose was reduced..... fingers crossed for you too.....I used to worry more about what would happen on the drugs but these days I try to go day by day and keep telling myself that they’re working so it’s so worth it.
Hugs and good wishes 

[seasnailz]

Thanks for replying. I’m glad it’s working so well for you and sounds to be manageable on the dose you have. I’ve found taking in the evening a little after food is good for me so far, so fingers crossed that continues. 

I feel like I’m waiting for side effects to kick in. Other than feeling a bit spaced out when I take it I feel fine. Did you find side effects built up over time? I’ve only been taking for six days!!

best wishes

[Marie9]

Hi,
Ive been taking ribociclib for over a year now and although I’ve had a dose reduction it’s working really well and recently great scan results. I’ve always taken it in the morning with breakfast as it’s the best time for me to remember at the same time each day which means that the levels of drug remains more constant in the body. I have to take it with food or I feel nauseated but this has improved with time.... and drink lots of water which really helps too.

All very individual I’m sure with timing. Good luck 🤞 x

[seasnailz]

I can totally understand you wanting to try and keep everything as normal as possible - it’s a constant battle isn’t it?And then it’s so easy to look back and think how we should have done things differently.

I was on annual leave when I found out and I’ve been really ill in the three months before my treatment started so have been off work all that time, and pretty much bedridden and housebound until recently. I’m hoping to go back to work after Christmas. I had a terrible time on chemo (taxals) first time round so have been really worried about how I’ll cope this time. So far I’ve been fine though. I’m a bit suspicious! All I had was a bit of diarrhoea after the first tablets and some mild nausea. I keep expecting it to suddenly kick in and floor me!

Thanks again for replying. It is good to hear your experiences. You sound to be doing well and I hope that carries on. 

best wishes to you too

Alex xx

[Kindensurprise]

Hi,

Looking back (now on cycle 14) it was horrid the first cycle, but then I think partly I was still reeling from the shock of diagnosis. And I also had a diagnosis of pulmonary embolisms a few days after my secondary diagnosis, so quite a lot going on. With hindsight, I wish I had been easier on myself and taken some time off work, as it takes your body a while to get used to the drug. I only had 1 day off sick, and that was because I had spent the night in A+E. For me, I wanted to keep things as normal as poss for my kids then aged 13 and 15, and going to work was how I did that, but I should have thought of myself. I felt at the time that if I took time off it was me giving in to cancer, which I wanted to avoid.

You will find what works for you 

All the best, Kinden xx

[seasnailz]

Thanks for sharing. I took it last night, thinking like you that any side effects would be easier to cope with while sleeping / drowsy. I hardly slept at all though, but maybe that was because I am starting something new and am really apprehensive about side effects. How have you found it?

[Kindensurprise]

Hi 

I was I initially advised to take Ribociclib in the morning (just over a year ago) but now the advice is to take it at the same time each day - I think a few hours either way is ok, as long as it is roughly the same time each day, so I take it in the evening now as I can feel a bit out of it s few hours after taking it, and obviously this is easier when I’m asleep rather than at work mid-morning.

all the best, Kinden xx

[seasnailz]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with bone Mets in August 2020 and am about to start ribociclib. I am also on letrozole, which I have been taking in the morning in the vain hope I’d avoid the bad night sweats. I haven’t avoided night sweats!!!

Do any of you notice any difference in side effects for either of these medications depending on what time of day you take them?