Is Neulesta stopped when you finish Chemo & go to HP only?

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Hybrids
Hybrids Member Posts: 42

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to have my last TCHP infusion next week but will continue with HP to finish out a year. I was just wondering if the Neulesta injection is just done after the TCHP infusions or if it continues with the HP infusions also? I am thinking it's just after the TCHP infusions and when I switch to HP only I'll no longer get the Neulesta. I could ask my MO but I won't see her until next week, before my next infusion.


Thanks!

Comments

  • carmstr835
    carmstr835 Member Posts: 388
    edited August 2018

    My Nuelesta was discontinued for the HP only and I was fine.

  • Hybrids
    Hybrids Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2018

    Thank you. That's good news. I was wondering because I'm planning out my pills for the next infusion and was getting thankful I will no longer have to take the steroid after next time. I was hoping I could quit taking the Claritin also (for the Neulesta joint pain) but wasn't sure if I'd still have Neulesta or not. I'm really hoping I can quit taking the potassium pills after my numbers are back up from the TCHP, but I think that's going to depend on whether I still have digestive issues from the HP or not. Those pills are monster sized.

  • LaughingGull
    LaughingGull Member Posts: 560
    edited August 2018

    I had Neulasta with AC chemo, switched to Neupogen (same drug, smaller dosage) under Taxotere +Herceptin +Perjeta, and I am getting now Herceptin + Perjeta. No more Neulasta, Neupogen nor steroids. Still getting Claritin though.

  • Hybrids
    Hybrids Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2018

    I'm glad the steriods and Neulasta are not needed with HP only. LaughingGull, are you taking Claritin for joint pain or another side effect from HP or is it to help with a possible allergic reaction to HP?

  • TabzIsMyAngel
    TabzIsMyAngel Member Posts: 62
    edited August 2018

    I didn't receive Neulasta after my first AC. But when my WBCs dropped so low my second had to be delayed by a week, I then received it after my last three ACs. I had chemo on Fridays & then went back in on Monday for the Neulasta. It was discontinued once I started Taxol & Herceptin. I still received steroids & benadryl with each infusion (16 total). Once I finished Taxol & continued on Herceptin only every three weeks, the anti-nausea med was discontinued, but I'm still getting dexameth & benadryl each time. I've continued taking the Claritin since I've read (and experienced to a lesser effect) that Herceptin can cause bone pain similar to Neulasta.

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited August 2018

    Herceptin and Perjeta are not known to affect the white blood cell production. But nothing is 100%, so keep an eye on your routine lab wor

  • Hybrids
    Hybrids Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2018

    Thanks everyone. I'm really hoping I get to stop the Dex when it's just Herceptin. I get really bad flushing with it. Every time I walk in for my next infusion, they look at me and say "Well, I guess we don't need to ask if you took your steriod!".

    I have a journal for all my labwork since I'm Hyperthyroid/have Grave's also, so I have to keep an eye on trends over the long term. It's helped with the cancer too since it forces me to go over my bloodwork with each infusion when I'm transferring the numbers to the journal.

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