Forum Discussion
Herceptin & diarrhea
I know that diarrhea is a side affect of Herceptin does anybody have a solution to help reduce this. I seem to be running to the toilet after each meal. This doesn't happen every day only some, so I'm also wondering if there is a food that is causing it to be worst on certain days. Anybody else experience this?
5 Replies
It can be surprising how the body reacts, totally the opposite to what you would expect! Sounds like your body is coping well and I wish you wellness as you get through the routine of counting them down! It's a bit like the old song, there was 10 green bottles hanging on the wall!viking1 said:Odd, as if anyone was going to get diarrhoea I would have picked me!- I am prone to IBS and am on my third sub cut injection for herceptin. So far I have had no diarrhoea. On my fourth injection (I need 17) I will have a better idea of what herceptin's side effects are as I have finished chemo now so it will just be herceptin on its own. I do take two multiflora tablets a day, am. and pm., and Iberogast, 20 drops in the morning for gut health ... given what chemo does to your gastrointestinal lining. With chemo and herceptin my issue has mostly been constipation. Odd, as if anyone was going to get diarrhoea I would have picked me!
- Info on Herceptin
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/targeted-therapy/
https://www.rxlist.com/herceptin-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Diarrhea is at the top of the list - hope that helps but certainly speak with your Breast care nurse and Oncology - Thanks @Payne, I will try the probiotics or some yogurt that might help to start the day off on a good note. I will have a chat to oncology next time I see them, I didn't have the chemo because I had an instant reaction to paclitaxel, so it's diffinately something to do with the Herceptin, I did also have a few tomato based foods yesterday but I'm good one day then just bad another.
Im a little concerned as I hope to go back to work in the New Year. - I don't know of specific foods but if this is a new thing for you, is probably the herceptin. Maybe your gut might need some probiotics. There is medication you can take but unless you are getting dehydrated or is hugely inconvenient, eg, working, the conservative approach might be better for you. I didn't get diarrhoea from herceptin but I did with the chemo but not every day and fluctuated between that and constipation. Can you phone your chemo nurse?
