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Tasigna side effect? How do I stop an itchy scalp and rash?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Mar 26, 2023 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
I’m so glad you posted. I also have CML and I can sympathize with what you’re going through. I was on Bosutinib but it was to hard on my liver. I started Dasatinib just two weeks ago. After the first week I got the rash and itchy scalp. It is driving me nuts. Some parts of the rash has little blisters on it. My face looks so bad I don’t want to leave the house. It’s one of the first times I was thankful for wearing a mask. I’m am 60 years old. I mentioned it to my oncologist last week. He asked me to continue on the drug until I have blood test results. I’m going today for the blood test. I will let you know how it goes for me and what is recommended for the rash. Do you have headaches on that medicine? The headaches I get on Dasatinib are debilitating.
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Hi @careydm! These TKI's sure work differently for different people. I started out on Dasatinib and the only side effect I had was the dangerous Pleural Effusion. After having it 3 times my oncologist changed my med to Tasigna. The only side effect I have from it is the itchy scalp, back, and rash (some of my rash itches and other's don't.) I know what you mean by different looking rashes. I have red ones that are raised, red ones that are flat, red ones with little white things in the middle - and all of them are different sizes and not all of them itch!
Has your doctor suggested antihistamines? I've tried all of them and don't see that they help. I am taking Claritin (just the antihistamine - not the one with D) for my regular seasonal allergies, but am going to switch back to Certizine. I'm also taking Benadryl - one three times a day. I believe it's helping a little. Fortunately it doesn't make me sleepy. The thing I'm most worried about is not getting enough sleep because the itching keeps me awake.
The only thing I've found that gives me some temporary relief is a lotion called ScalpBliss made by Canviiy.com. It's an organic based serum you rub into your scalp as often as you wish. It's not greasy and no odor. I think CVS drug stores are carrying it now. I order it on-line because I don't have a CVS in my town. It's not cheap, but one bottle lasts me for several months even though I use it often and liberally! It's $20 a container but worth it to me.
I just talked again about the itchy rash to my oncologist's nurse who again asked the doctor. He wants me to go off the Tasigna for 3 days and see if it goes away. He might have to lower the dosage which neither he nor I want! So I'll keep trying various shampoos, conditioners, and serums!
Keep in touch. Let me know the results of your blood test. My next gene blood test is September 19 and Dr. appointment is September 26. We will make it through all of this and live for many more years!