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Glivec and sickness

Hi all

Looking for a bit of advice, the past few weeks i have noticed that i have been throwing up at least twice a week, which is horrible. I'm on glivec 400mg and have only been taking it for about 8 wks. I have been eating well before taking my tablet but usually 20mins later i am throwing up as i say its only 2-3 times a week not every night. Can i ask is this normal and what i can expect for the rest of my time on Glivec?

Thanks as always

Naomii x

Hi, I have been taking Glivec for 4 years now. At the beginning I had to take anti sickness tabs with it. If I didn't I would be sick. As time went on tho I stopped the anti sickness. So no, hang in there, as your body gets used to Glivec the sickness with go, maybe ask your GP/ consultant about anti sickness tabs for a while.

Liz. x

It might also be wise to look at what you are eating on the days you are sick. I find I need some form or carbs or I'm sick.

You might like to change the time you take the medication.. I took it at night for nearly 5 years which seemed to help. Good luck

I have found that it really helps if my Glivec lands on some carbohydrate when taken. My routine is to take it after breakfast, which is usually either wholemeal toast or bran flakes. If I'm a bit dozy and drink some orange juice just before I take the Glivec I'm much more prone to feel nauseous. This also happens occasionally when I indulge in a "full English". Hope this helps.

Alastair

I endorse what others say about the sickness easing over time. And also about finding a routine that works for you.  I sympathise because the sickness is horrible and I wondered at first how I would manage feeling lousy for half an hour or so every evening.  But by experimenting I found that taking my Glivec at the same time or too soon after food didn't work for me so I started taking it about an hour after my meal in the evening, to let the food settle for a bit.  I also always take it with a large drink (at least half a pint).  That worked almost immediately and still does.  Only when I haven't had enough food (and I also usually need something like bread or pasta or potatoes, and to avoid greasy or spicy food in the evening) or leave it too long (which for me is about 2 hours after food) do I now have a problem.

I know some take anti sickness medication for a while to start with too and you can ask your consultant about that.