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Ibuprofen

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I have so much literature to help with CML now, I am having difficulty finding the bit that tells me what drugs I should and shouldn’t take with Imatinib. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of Ibuprofen? I am just wanting to take some for back pain.

Thanks

David

I wasn’t allowed Ibuprofen until my bloods where stable. I think by my 6 month PCR I was CCYR at 0.7% and I remember mentioning joint pain and my consultant said I could now have it. And of course that was music to my ears as paracetamol to me is a useless painkiller for the most part. I am on Nilotinib which is basically Imatinib on steroids haha so it’s a similar drug. Depending on your counts you may want to confirm with the Consultant.

Alex

Hi David,

Research at University of Adelaide looked at the interaction of imatinib with all of the NSAID s such as diclofenac,ibuprofen etc;it was found that ibuprofen affected the uptake of imatinib. My specialist advised me to avoid Ibuleve gel as well. Off prescription paracetemol is ok but it can in large doses affect the liver;imatinib can put a strain on the liver anyway.

On prescription diclofenac used to be the favourite given by GPs but it can lead to stomach bleeding unless taken with a proton pump inhibitor  (PPI) and that in itself might affect the uptake of the tki as they  suppress some of the digestive juices.Many medics favour Naproxen for back pain but again it is usually given with either a PPI or Misoprostol-the latter can give you rapid bowel movements and combined with imatinib which  can give the same side effect you need to be near to the bathroom sometimes. Codeine based pain killers can become addictive and also lead to,in some cases,problems of substantial constipation. At the end of the line is amytryptolin or gabapentin for severe pain,then morphine.

I would talk with your doctor.

Regards

John

Many thanks for the input Alex, it’s good to know you can now take it! I shall ask my consultant as you suggest.

David.

Thanks for the in depth answer John, sounds like it’s best to avoid then. I have asked my haematologist, and await his reply which I am sure will reflect your findings.

All the best

David

No problem David. Anytime! It’s a mammoth amount of information overload in the early days.

Hope pain subsides and you can get some relief.

Alex

Hi David
I was having some pains on the imatinib last week and starting taking tumric which has worked a treat. I was advised against ibuprofen by haematologist.

Cheers
Ben

Hi David
I was having some pains on the imatinib last week and starting taking tumric which has worked a treat. I was advised against ibuprofen by haematologist.

Cheers
Ben

Hello Ben, thanks for that. Interesting that turmeric worked for you - what sort of dose did you take? Having eventually heard back from my haematologist, he too suggested that NSAIDS, including ibuprofen were a bad idea. I might try your turmeric idea!

Best

David

I have found an old post, started by Sandy Craine, from 2012, that talks about the contra-indications of ibuprofen with imatinib. Seems generally to be accepted, although one or two people seem to be taking it after a long period on imatinib without any ill effects.

David

Thanks for the useful information John, it seems we have little to play with for those minor aches and pains. Certainly in the early stages of TKI taking.

Best

David

 

Hi, I take Zapain for back pain ,think it's Paracetamol and codeine works an absolute treat for me .I only take it when I really need to so I have never become addicted to it .It can make you feel a bit relaxed and sleepy but that is great for me as backpain keeps me awake so I can get a decent sleep .,Denise.

I bought a high strength one off amazon it must include black pepper has helps with absorption. 

its has really helped me. 
cheers Ben 

This is the Tumeric you bought with the black pepper, Ben?

Best

David

I had never heard of Zapain until now, I shall get some! Thanks Denise

Best

David