Side Effects

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Hello Everyone

My husband is on his second round of irinotecan and is experiencing bad mouth ulcers a week after treatment. He didn't have this problem the first time round but it has happened a few times now and he is struggling to deal with it. Every time he eats or talks it is really quite painful. His oncologist has prescribed some mouth wash, his has tried bonjela and I bought him some pain killing tablets. Unfortunately nothing seems to ease the pain.

I know it might seem trivial but with everything else his has to deal with I just want him to be as comfortable as possible.

Has anyone had the same experience and could possibly suggest anything to help?

Many thanks

Karen

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi KarenR. I’ve no personal experience of this but wondered if any of the suggestions in this post from the bowel cancer uk site might help?

https://community.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/forum/21878-mouth-ulcers/349789#349789

I’ve also read people suggesting buying a soft childs toothbrush for teeth cleaning? Hope you’re able to find something that helps x

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Pipaluck over 3 years ago

Hi . I was prescribed caphosol which I at first used just a couple of times a day but then upped to about 5 or 6 and did seem to help. Sorry if this is one you tried but thought it may be of some help

KarenR over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you so much for suggesting another site, it was a great help x

KarenR over 3 years ago in reply to Pipaluck

Thanks for the suggestion, I have mentioned caphosol to my husband. He will definitely try it :-)

Gemmary over 3 years ago

I wonder if a good old salt water gargle might help? No side affects (if you don't swallow) and you could do several times a day xx

Star74 over 3 years ago

Hi KarenR, not trivial at all, the mouth ulcers can make you feel really miserable. I was prescribed Difflam (also available over the counter) that did help to numb the ulcers slightly so it made eating more comfortable. Another good one is Igloo, it puts a coating over the ulcer.

KarenR over 3 years ago

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

My husband bought some new medications based on your suggests from the Pharmacist over the weekend and they have helped a lot. Next time it starts after his treatment he will use them immediately, which hopefully will prevent the discomfort his has suffered so far x

court over 3 years ago in reply to KarenR

Great to read that KarenR . It sounds uncomfortable so glad he is getting help .

Court

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