Starting Monday I begin my maintenance chemotherapy. I will still get Avastin through my port in my chest, but I also will start taking pills, Zejula. I got 6 pages of instructions.
Zejula, also known as Niaparib, is used to treat adult patients with recurrent fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer. Taking Zejula as instructed is important to allow your treatment to be as effective as possible, so here are some key points. ( Since I have 6 pages of information I I will share the highlights.)
Taking Zejula at bedtime can decrease the risk of nausea or vomiting. ( oh great!)
Handle Zejula with care. Just like when chemotherapy is given in vein or port, this drug can be toxic, and exposure of the drug to others should be limited. ( I don't share my drugs, I pay too much for them.)
Whenever possible, give Zejula to yourself and follow the steps below.
Wash hands with soap and water.
Put on gloves to avoid touching the medication. (gloves not necessary if giving the drug to yourself.)
Gently transfer the Zejula from its package to a small medicine or other disposable cup.
Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water.
Remove gloves and do not use them for anything else.
Throw gloves and medicine cup in the trash.
Wash hands with soap and water.
(Lots of protection for my hands...because its toxic...BUT I"M INGESTING IT!!)
Possible Side Effects
Your hemoglobin should be monitored. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Avoid operating heavy machinery if you feel tired. Find the balance between work and rest. YOU MAY NOTICE THAT YOU ARE MORE PALE THAN USUAL. ( Me? Pale? LOL)
Continuing on...Nausea or Vomiting, Decreased platelet count and increased risk of bleeding( I'll carry band aids with me.) Fatigue. (I'm already tired now) Constipation. ( oh great...I hate prunes...) Changes in Liver Function. You may notice yellowing of the skin or eyes. ( I'm going to be colorful) Abdominal pain.
It gets better.....SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS.
Zejula may increase your risk for certain blood cancers.( I'm taking this to fight ovarian cancer and now I might get blood cancer?) Alert your physician if you notice any abnormal bruising or bleeding. ( What bruising and bleeding is normal?) You may have a mild to moderate increase in blood pressure. Seek medical attention if you have any chest pain.
I have a whole section on handling body fluids and waste. Zejula remains in your body for several days after it is taken so some of the drug may be present in urine, stool, sweat or vomit. ( Several days?? I'm taking this nightly til further notice) And again....Wash any skin that has been exposed to Zejula with soap and water. I'M INGESTING IT! It is safe to hug and kiss. (That is good to know) Special precautions may be needed for sexual activity, ask your doctor. ( I did, she said it was fine, however I don't know how sexy one can feel with nausea...bloated from constipation, yellow skin...covered in band aids...)
It is serious...but I have to find humor in it too. Staying positive and finding good things to laugh over help me deal with the fact I have nasty cells that want to kill me. I had to find humor when I saw what it costs.
Are you ready?
You better sit down.
Ok..one month of Zejula costs .....$22,000. Yup. That is correct. 22 thousand dollars a month!!! Thank goodness for health insurance and copay assistance. ( and people wonder why I work multiple jobs) But since I enjoy life and I choose to be around for a while....I am taking it and dealing with whatever side effects come my way. My oncologist told me I will be on it until my cancer progresses or the side effects cause too many other health problems. Then I will get switched to something else.
So before Monday I am stocking up on 7UP, Yogurt, Jello, Metamucil and Band aids.
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