Re:Numbness side effect

[Guest guest]

I also have numbness in the tips of my fingers and toes but I thought it must be

something other than the sprycel, I have been on this drug for about a year, I

haven,t mentioned it to anyone.marion

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[Guest guest]

I have my first discernible Sprycel side effect. It's the constant numbness

of all ten fingertips. In the scheme of things it's not a big deal but I

noticed it about two weeks ago. I called my trial liaison and she said it's

listed as one of the possible side effects but with no treatment. The only

problem it causes is typing on my computer. Since I can't feel my fingers,

typos are a blight. Anyone else have this? If so, do youdo anything about it?

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Hi L.,

I have an answer for you. In my first couple weeks of Sprycel, I developed

numbness in my toes and sometimes the tops of my feet......this is called

peripheral neuropathy, and is a known but rare side effect with Sprycel. It

is the same for the hands. I was the first case that Dr. Druker saw on

Sprycel (and maybe his only??)....he did not know what to do about it other

than to monitor it.

Then I asked my oncology naturopath in Eugene, and she had 3 answers!! and

the pharmacist at OHSU approved them, no problem with Sprycel.

1. Take 300mg of alpha-lipoic acid.......get from a health food store. It

is a recognized treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The dose is

300-600mg a day....but I only used 300mg. If it is going to work, you

will see a difference within 2 weeks.......I think I saw the difference

within a week. This is also a great antioxidant. It is a bit hard to take,

because it is an acid....sort of like Gleevec, bury it in food. I would

take it at lunch and my Sprycel at dinner.

2. The second is an herbal tea that is very soothing and healing to nerves.

Go where you can get some fresh herbs.......make a mix of 50% chamomile and

50% oat straw (aveno). When you use herbs medicinally, steep for at least

15 minutes......use maybe a heaping Tbl. in a small teapot. Drink a cup or

two a day......also good at night.

3. I never did need the 3rd remedy, so I don't remember it.

I think my numbness responded mainly to the ALA (alpha-lipoic acid). I

continued to use it and when I did not the numbness was worse....but

eventually I did not need it anymore. My Sprycel side effects were worse

the first 5-6 months. I have been on Sprycel for 2 years now. Hope this

will get your fingertips back for you.

C.