Irinotecan and diarrhea - Any advice?

Jeremiah16
Jeremiah16 CSN Member Posts: 3 Member
in Lung Cancer #1

I previously had irinotecan treatment but it caused a lot of damage with diarrhea and then colitis. We took 2 moths to recover. Lower dose irinotecan was thought to be still benenificial and we had a second opinion on that from Mass General Brigham. I'm on lomotil but I'm still having regular diarrhea. Any advice on what to try? I really need help. Thanks.

Comments

  • Arx001
    Arx001 CSN Member Posts: 54 Member
    #2

    Hello, my suggestion would be to try prebiotics (not probiotics) as it would harmonize and calm the intestines. I was given prebiotics during the RT to reduce the number of my visits though I rarely had diarrhea. But I guess you would know about it.

  • Jeremiah16
    Jeremiah16 CSN Member Posts: 3 Member
    #3

    Thanks, I'm putting together foods to change by diet already. Hoping for progress.

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy CSN Member Posts: 151 Member
    #4

    I don't have any experience with irinotecan but have way too much experience with colitis and diarrhea. Have they not recommended pre and pro biotics? That generally keeps things quiet but still like a teeter totter. Then regular immodium. Talk to your oncologist first but works mostly wonderfully for me. They may have a recommendation on which strains try.

  • bibliophile
    bibliophile CSN Member Posts: 50 Member
    #5

    I know this is an old post and it is likely your treatment schedule is not the same, but just in case… I just went on Irinotecan last month and the first round had the horrible diarrhea that everyone talked about. Searched the boards and found someone talking about taking coconut to help. I have NO idea why it works or what the physiological mechanism is. Couldn't find any scientific studies confirming, this is all just anecdotal. All I know is that it worked for me. I just eat about a tsp of coconut flakes every morning and another one in the afternoon if I start to feel gurgly (or am nervous or going out somewhere) and I haven't had any problems since. I hope that you are doing well. Would love to hear an update if you're up to it.

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