Neulasta and its effects

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EdithMary
EdithMary Member Posts: 37
edited January 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello, friends. On my first cycle of chemo, I ended up on day 9 in the ER, and was hospitalized with a neutrophil count of ZERO. A latent sinus infection flared, and it took a while before they figured out what was making me so ill. Last Friday, after my second infusion of chemo, I was given Neulasta, with the hope that this can be avoided. I was told all kinds of terrible things about the side-effects, but it is now Wednesday (day 5), and I have had nothing worse than last time: a few aches and pains controllable with ibuprofen. In fact, I have no diarrhea this time, which is a blessing. Those of you on Neulasta who had aches and pains, when did these start for you? Am I to expect something worse as the Neulasta causes neutrophil colonization? I am scheduled to teach next week, and just want to be prepared. But in the first cycle, my most discomfort was week one, except that I got sick on day 8 and 9. Curious,

EdithMary


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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited November 2018

    Some people have severe bone pain with the Neulasta but I just had mild bone aches similar to when I was having my growth spurt during puberty. I took Claritin for it rested.

    I would usually get the aches starting the evening of day 2 after the injection and they would resolve by the end of day 4 after the injection.

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  • Runnermum
    Runnermum Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2018

    Hi I received Nuelasta shot after each of my 8 chemo treatments last fall. I had 4 DD A/C & 4 DD Taxol. Not sure what kind of chemo you are receiving but here is what I experienced. I would receive chemo on Wednesdays. Felt fine Wed evening into Thurs afternoon. Would go in for Nuelasta shot Thursday afternoon, by that evening I would usually be on the couch sleeping away the next 48- hours. Sunday would come and as the day progressed, I would be back to feeling more normal. And would be able to work on Mondays. I also work with kids and my counts stayed good with Nuelasta and I was able to continue to work thru chemo. I went back to work after my 3rd chemo treatment and only took off chemo day and Thursday-Friday after that. I also took Claritin for bone pain. But did still experience some minor aches Aches would start about day 3 after chemo and continue for a couple days at most.. My oncologist felt the reason I would suddenly become so exhausted on Thursday evenings was both my steroids wearing off and Nuelasta kicking in. Good luck!

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  • EdithMary
    EdithMary Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2018

    Thank you for your input, ladies. I really am exhausted today, but it is day 5 after chemo, and almost day 4 following Neulasta (injected automatically last Saturday at 5 p.m,) so that sounds about right! I am grateful for the insights, and not so apprehensive now!

    Edith Mary

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited November 2018

    The only se I remember from the shot was, I better be home before 2 hours passed. Then I was out in the recliner for several hours. Then, nothing. I was fine. The chemo knocked me for a loop, but not the shot.

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  • EdithMary
    EdithMary Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2019

    Just an update about Neulasta and its effects on me. My first cycle in taking (my second cycle of chem) it was no different than the first cycle when I didn't take it, in terms of side effects. The Neulasta worked beautifully in preventing infection, and I avoided Neutropenia. However, cycles three and four were brutal: I had fever throughout them, aches, pains, chills and general malaise. The doctor even told me not to come into ER unless my fever was 102, because I am now routinely between 99.9 and 100.5--effects of the Neulasta. I also have ongoing and annoying pulsate tinnitus--like a rhythmic roaring in the ears. Fortunately, Ativan helps me to relax and sleep: I only take one before bed, and will be glad to get off all of this. I am now in the middle of my last AC infusion cycle, and looking forward to some normalcy when the side effects are finished. Bottom line: Neulasta has helped with my Neutrophils (which have been ABOVE average every time I am have tested prior to my infusion. But there have been pretty awful side effects, and I have felt much more ill with the combo of chemo and Neulasta in the last two cycles. So, hang in there, for those who need Neulasta. It is not for ever! And now, on to radiation for me!

    All best wishes to you!

    EdithMary

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