Neulasta , you MOFO!

Hi RainMaze,

While you wait for the ever helpful advice from other members here, the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Neulasta may help. There's info on side effects (joint, muscle, and bone pain included) and links to tips on managing those side effects.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

Rainmaze- I don't know if you know about taking regular 24 hour Claritin which may prevent the bone pain from the Neulasta shot.  There is on going clinical trial to see if the Claritin prevents the Neulasta bone pain.  Here is the link for that trial: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01311336?term=claritin+neulasta&rank=1.

The study says to take one regular 24 hour Claritin (NOT Claritin D) for 7 days commencing the day one receives the shot. 

I took the Claritin the morning that I would receive my afternoon Neulasta shot and continued taking it for 8 more days.   Fortunately, the Claritin worked for me and I did not have any Neulasta bone pain.  However, I did have muscle soreness/joint pain which I attributed as side effects of my chemo regimen Cytoxan/Taxotere. 

I've read on the boards that one can take a combo of one Tylenol and one Motrin/Advil before receiving the shot and continue taking every 4-6 hours to help the bone pain.  I've also read where some took Zyrtec instead of the Claritin.  Whatever you may want to take to help with the pain, make sure you clear it with your onco to make sure it's okay.

Hope you feel better soon!!!! 

One thing you might try, if you have not already, before the next Neulasta injection is to take regular Claritin (not Claritin D) an hour prior to the injection and continue for 24-hour intervals for a few days up to a week.  The antihistamine is thought to have an effect on the edema formed in the marrow which can cause pain.  The purpose of Neulasta is to encourage rapid formation of white blood cells to take the place of those killed off by chemo - those white blood cells protect you from an opportunistic infection.  The larger the bone, pelvis, legs, hips, the more WBC produced - that is why the pain location is predictable.  I also found that taking frequent very warm baths helped a lot.  Here is a link to a clinical trial underway looking at Claritin for this purpose.  As always, ask your onc first before taking any medications.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01311336 

LOL!  Melrose types faster than me!  Edited to add - usually the first Neulasta is the worst because it is the first expansion of the bone marrow.  Subsequent Neulasta injections should be less painful, but try the Claritin - it worked for me.  I know this because I forgot to take it for the third one and it hurt more.  It is very important to take it BEFORE the injection so it has a chance to start working, taking it after is less effective in my experience.

Rain- Are you doing okay after the first chemo?  I had the same regimen as you  (6 rounds).  Ask away if you need any help!!!  BTW: SpecialK is one of the best sources here for help.  She is a nurse who worked in an infusion center.  I don't know if she is working now but her knowledge is invaluable!!!

SpecialK- I was just so happy to see you come on to this thread!!!!  I always feel good knowing you are there and giving great advice and help.

I, like you, suffered greatly from the Neulasta shots.  I thought I was actually going to die.  My side effects from the shot did not kick in until day 3 after and lasted a good 5 days.  I finally had to resort to a narcotic, which I cut in half and always took, even when the pain ebbed a bit from the pill, in order to keep on top of the agony.

I agree totally with Marywh's post.  I found the Neulasta shots to be even worse than the rotten A/C and the horrid taxotere.  Just remember, as hard as it is at the time - this too shall pass.  All good thoughts being sent your way,

Linda

Good news! So glad that worked for you.