Already a member? Sign in
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
I've been on Alimta for a year and a half and am allergic to B12. Until now, I've tolerated the 10 days of sickness from the shot, but I now have shingles that will either become chronic, disappear, or come again at will. I believe the B12 shots should be discontinued because they can aggravate the virus (which means the end of alimta.) Does anyone have any other ideas?
Wow. This is a tough one. Is the Alimta doing good things for you? I am not sure but I think that the B12 shot is to help ward off some of the side effects of the Alimta. Is it possible and would it be worth it to see if you can tolerate the the Alimta without the B12?
Just some thoughts. Maybe your Onc and Dr. West can answer some of these questions
Best of Luck.
Mary
Yes, alimta has kept me stable. Thanks for your answer. I' not sure how to contact Dr. West, but I am pretty sure alimta interferes with normal B12 availability and that it is is necessary. I will confront my onc with it next time I go, but it seems like the end of a good thing for me.
Dear "Claires"
I have maintained (nsclc IIIB) on Alimta for 18 months also...had a bout of shingles June '09...very painful and annoying! I am taking Gabapentin, 300mg 2 to 3 times daily for mild/medium nerve pain...no new shingles. Don't give up the Alimta if it is working for you. It is my understanding that shingles are more associaed with supressed immune system although they could be an allergic reaction to B12. What does your Onc about say the chances of shingles coming back?
Hope this helps.
Marcia
Add to the discussion