I have had chemo for ovarian cancer and responded pretty well on it. My doctor wants me to take Zejula nd I'm not sure if I should be excited or really uneasy about taking something this new. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time.
Can I have alcohol with Zejula? How bad are the side effects?
Question posted by laurahgrant on 12 May 2017
Last updated on 10 December 2018
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3 Answers
pattyrosewater1969
15 Oct 2017
The only major problem I have had with this drug has been the low platelet count, and that has been pretty severe. It has caused a lot of shortness of breath and lightheadedness, so they have pulled me off the drugs for a few weeks. Has anyone found anything to bring back up to platelet counts? I’m taking a lot of vitamins and trying to increase my iron. Other suggestions?
laurahgrant
15 Oct 2017
Pattyrosewater1969, I've had the problem of really low platelets too. I actually googled foods to bring up platelets & it listed particular ones that I now eat. I know dark leafy greens, beets, tomatoes & other things are listed, can't remember the others. Since then my platelets hover around 125. Not great, but passable.
kathz
5 Sep 2017
I was advised to limit strongly or have no alcohol. Started Zejula 3 weeks ago and major aide effect has been high blood pressure. No tiredness like on the chemo.
PAULA3414
14 June 2017
It's better than chemo , and I am happy not to go into the infusion room when visiting the doctor, but after starting with one pill for 1 week, then going to 2 for 2 weeks it wasn't bad at all. Now that I'm up to 3, I'm nauseous for most of the day and it lets up in the evening. I sure hope my body adjust to this.
laurahgrant
31 July 2017
My doctor put me on 300mg at first, then found out I wasn't handling it well. My blood counts dropped a lot and I had to stop completely for awhile. Now I'm taking it again but gradually to see how that works. So far so good!
brf01
1 Aug 2017
I began Zejula 4 days ago. I've had no side effects other than a constant headache. I am monitoring my blood pressure to make certain it's not inducing the headaches.
Ladies, it is frightening because there are no long term studies on Zejula. But I could' t refuse based on the studies. I'll certainly take an extra 12 months, God willing.
God Bless you all
PAULA3414
1 Aug 2017
Acupuncture through the Disney Cancer Center really helps with the side effects for me. Depending where you are there maybe a good place for you to go to. It's worth looking into. Take care
blue80217
10 Dec 2018
Hi my name is Mary and I have the same problem, I am ok with 2 but sick as a dog with 3.I want to go to 3 but I get severe abdominal cramping and vomiting all night long I know when I cut back to to it's not that bed at all but I need to be at 3 I've tried twice already same thing happened to me
Related topics
cancer, ovarian cancer, side effect, alcohol, doctor, chemotherapy, zejula
Further information
- Zejula uses and safety info
- Zejula prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zejula (detailed)
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