Fever and Gemzar?

Has anyone experienced fevers while taking gemzar? Three weeks ago my husband had a fever with intense shaking and chills. He was admitted to the hospital to find out he had an e.coli bacterial infection. They took out the port (didn't put another one in since he only had 3 treatments left) since they felt the port got infected. He was put on strong iv antibiotics for 10 days and it cleared up. Now three weeks later he has been having fevers (from 100.9 to 102.9) and the doctors think it could be chemo related since he didn't have chills and shaking. I never read this anywhere and was wondering if anyone else ever experienced this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

On 5/27/2009 beacher wrote:

Has anyone experienced fevers while taking gemzar? Three weeks ago my husband had a fever with intense shaking and chills. He was admitted to the hospital to find out he had an e.coli bacterial infection. They took out the port (didn't put another one in since he only had 3 treatments left) since they felt the port got infected. He was put on strong iv antibiotics for 10 days and it cleared up. Now three weeks later he has been having fevers (from 100.9 to 102.9) and the doctors think it could be chemo related since he didn't have chills and shaking. I never read this anywhere and was wondering if anyone else ever experienced this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I had Gemzar for a period of 11 months after a Whipple op and found that I suffered from fever on various occasions. I found the best solution was to go home and get under a warm duvet and stay there till better. I always got better after a few hours. I was taking Tarceva and Gemzar at the same time, so I really do not know which gave me the shakes. I do know that I got better. Good luck! Michael Wilson

 

 

Yes I experienced fever and severe chills while on Gemzar and Tarceva.  I went through chemo during the winter monhs and I had to keep my heat on 74 degrees to feel warm.  I ended up in ED for the fever.  Tell your husband to hang in there.   

On 5/27/2009 beacher wrote:

Has anyone experienced fevers while taking gemzar? Three weeks ago my husband had a fever with intense shaking and chills. He was admitted to the hospital to find out he had an e.coli bacterial infection. They took out the port (didn't put another one in since he only had 3 treatments left) since they felt the port got infected. He was put on strong iv antibiotics for 10 days and it cleared up. Now three weeks later he has been having fevers (from 100.9 to 102.9) and the doctors think it could be chemo related since he didn't have chills and shaking. I never read this anywhere and was wondering if anyone else ever experienced this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have an interest in Gemzar because the onc has said I would probably take Gemzar if my ovarian cancer returns for a 3rd time.  I have not taken it previously, HOWEVER, I have a friend with lung cancer who is taking it currently.  HE DOES HAVE FEVER each time he gets a treatment.  It had been being a low grade fever, the but last treatment brought about a higher one, in the 102-103 range.  I hope the info that several have posted, that this is not completely unusual will help your feelings!

- janez

 

On 5/27/2009 beacher wrote:

Has anyone experienced fevers while taking gemzar? Three weeks ago my husband had a fever with intense shaking and chills. He was admitted to the hospital to find out he had an e.coli bacterial infection. They took out the port (didn't put another one in since he only had 3 treatments left) since they felt the port got infected. He was put on strong iv antibiotics for 10 days and it cleared up. Now three weeks later he has been having fevers (from 100.9 to 102.9) and the doctors think it could be chemo related since he didn't have chills and shaking. I never read this anywhere and was wondering if anyone else ever experienced this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I have been on Genzar for 11 months, along with carbo.  I will run a low grade fever only occasionally, but it might be the shots they give me afterward to boost my blood.  Sometimes it depends on how good my blood is when they give me the chemo.  I would almost wonder if the e.coli is still in his body.  I've heard of it moving from the place of origin to other places in the body - especially with his immune system being compromised.  It might be worth a second opinion.  BTW, the Gemzar/Carbo is working so well for me, my CA125 and 27.29 are both down in the normal range (8 & 18 respectively) and they are spreading the chemo out to every 3 weeks rather than day 1,8,15, etc.  A little suffering with the low-grade fever is worth it to me.

Good luck with finding a solution to the fevers.  Anything over 99 is definitely miserable.  Let us know how he is doing.

Gayle

I couldn't believe it when I saw your posting with the question about gemzar. When I started gemzar two months ago for advanced breast cancer, everytime I had a treatment on Friday, by Sunday I would get a temperature and chills. Then the doctor would put me on antiobotics. Finally, the last two times, the temperature is now reaching 102 to 103 degrees and makes me so tired, I can't move and only want to sleep. My blood counts are going way low also. Doctor hasn't put me on antiobotics and says we just need to wait and see what happens as he thinks I should not be taking so many antiobotics. I am going through this right now where I have had a temperature since Sunday and feel really bad. I just didn't know what to do as my doctor doesn't think it is from the treatments. (although I do think it is). Other than the blood being low and the temperature and chills, I seem to be handling the gemzar better than the other chemo's. I hope this has helped you, but like I said, I am going through the exact same thing every time I get a treatment with the gemzar. Take care, Patti

Hi,

I was just about to post a question on Gemzar. My mom who has NSCLC may be put on Gemzar and Cisplatin shortly. she has had other chemos, but this is the first with gemzar and I just wanted to know if you are taking gemzar by itself and if so are you fatiqued (at least as much as other ones?)

Bests of luck in your treatment.
FOM

 

My wife had Gemzar and has periodically had a session of fever and chills.  It usually comes on when she is extremely tired and almost always at night.  She gets cold first then begins the chills and everytime she has the chills she has a fever of about 100.2-101.  I have to heat up two or three blankets/afgans in the dryer and wrap her in them for about one hour and then the chill breaks. She also uses an electric throw blanket most of the time.  We have to keep our temp in the house about 78 degrees to prevent her from having an onset of the chills and fever.  She has been off of the Gemzar now for 15 months, but averages about one chill per month now- earlier it was about one two times a week then it began to taper off to one per week and finally now it is down to about one  per month.  I also give her tylenol to help break the fever.  Our oncologyst does not seem to worry about the sessions and feels that it may be something associated with the gastric system.  He also said that the Gemzar would continue to work on the body for well over one year after the last treatment.  She also had a whipple surgery and was treated with radiation and 5FU during the radiation.  She has little endurance because of the treatments but is getting better now and is building up her strength little by little. I would say she is about 70% what she used to be before cancer.

 

I just completed my first cycle of Gemzar.  First time got a fever, with the worst night being the third after treatment.  I reported this to my chemo nurse who told me to take 1000 mg of Tylenol every 4-6 hrs for 24 hours, starting right after treatment.  This nearly eliminated any fever, even for the following days.  I also had a rash the first two treatments, but on the third was given a Benedryl right after and experienced no rash.  I strongly recommend trying this (but please check with your doctor / chemo nurse for dosage).