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Does indigestion problem affect efficacy of Tasigna?

Hi, everyone,

I saw a recent thread in forum about the fasting of Tasigna, I have rather a slightly different problem.  About 10 months ago, I have switched from Glivic to Tasigna,  since Glivic was unable to achieve the optimal result (below 0.1% BCR) at the time (last 4 reading while taking Glivic were 0.11, 0.12, 0.11, 0.13).  However, things did not  get better, my BCR went upwards to 0.17, 0.16, 0.29, after I start taking Tasigna, the latest BCR made me quite panic.   My doctor was suspecting whether I had stick to the 2hr, 1hr guideline strictly.   I assured him that I had followed rule strictly, but I wasn't sure that 2 hrs after the meal is equal to empty stomach as I have severe indigestion problem that often still feeling full after 2 hrs.  So my doc suggested longer fasting period for me such as taking Tasigna first thing in the morning.  So  I am taking Tasigna first thing in morning and before I go to bed now.   I am not sure if that is going to improve the efficacy of the Tasigna, can anyone give me some advice? Would indigestion problem really affects the absorption of Tasigna, or maybe Tasigna is not suitable for me (I always thought 2nd generation TKIs are better).    And also how do I know for sure when my stomach is empty?

Thanks,

William

Hi William,

Normally 2 hrs is long enough for a meal to be digested. When you say you still feel full even after 2hrs, this does not necessarily mean you have not digested enough of your last meal to allow nilotinib to be absorbed. 

It may be that nilotinib is not the right TKI for you and I suggest you ask your doctor if you can change to one of the other TKIs such as dasatinib or bosutinib (there is always ponatinib as a 3rd or 4th option should neither of these suit you).

Your might also try some digestive aids as it might be that you do not have enough stomach acid to allow proper digestion, especially if you are a meat eater. These links might help explain what digestive enzymes are and whether they might help in your case:

https://draxe.com/digestive-enzymes/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/377360-digestive-enzymes-stomach-bloat...

 

Sandy

 

 

 

 

Thanks Sandy, much appreciate for your advice.     I have tried dasatinib previously for 3 months, unfortunately it gave me severe palpitation,especially at night.  So far nilotinib shows little side effects for me.But if the next result show an upward trend then I might talk to doctor about alternatives.   

William