slowing the infusion rates

Cheesequake · July 2015

I know I've read that some of you had side effects (SEs) from chemotherapy that your doctor dealt with (at least in part) by slowing down your infusions. The problem is I can't remember specifics. If you had this during chemo, can you reply with what SEs, what cocktail, how long the infusion was, what they slowed it to, and whether you noted any benefit?

Thank you very much!

SpecialK · July 2015

During TCH I received Herceptin over 90 minutes, and my Taxotere and Carboplatin over 45-60-ish minutes. How fast are your infusions? Most drugs have a minimum time limit, and I believe a suggested max. After I had completed chemo and was receiving Herceptin by itself the onc nurses did the first infusion in 30 minutes and I had a lot of joint/bone aching - I had experienced almost none during chemo. I asked to slow my drip back down to 90 minutes and had no further issues. This is anecdotal, but I know of a number of others who had this same experience. I know that some who have issues with taxanes, usually an allergic reaction involving shortness of breath or chest pressure, do better with a slower drip. Also, Cytoxan seems to cause headaches and sinus pressure and slowing it down can alleviate that.

inks · July 2015

I got a really weird feeling in my nose and forehead and they slowed down the Taxol drip because I just could not take it.

Cheesequake · July 2015

Thank you both, very useful info.

My first infusion was 90 min Herceptin, wait an hour, 90 min Taxotere, then immediately to 30 min Carboplatin. I had no reactions whatsoever, so they're telling me the next time will be 30min H, 60min T and 30min C with no breaks. I'm just wondering whether I should ask for 90, 90 and 30 with no breaks to avoid any reactions.

SpecialK · July 2015

I would personally vote to stay with the longer infusion time with Herceptin. Because taxanes are known to cause bone pain - and I don't think infusion time will prevent this, so they might be able to speed it to 60 without issues - slowing the Herceptin so it doesn't contribute additional bone pain could be important. The infusion instructions for Herceptin indicate between 30-90 minutes, so I would assertively request the longer infusion. My infusions were all back to back, so maybe eliminating the hour in between but keeping the longer infusion times will help if the onc nurses are wanting to get you out of the chair.

slowing the infusion rates

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