Can flu shots cause low blood counts while on Verzenio for MBC?

Blood count changes while on Verzenio can happen for various reasons, and it's common for doctors to pause treatment temporarily to allow counts to recover safely. Many people in this community have experienced similar situations with their treatments, and it's completely understandable to feel worried when your routine gets disrupted. Consider discussing your concerns about the timing with the flu shot and any questions about treatment breaks with your medical team, as they'll have the best insight into your specific situation.

I had my flu shot last week—timed it for my week off Ibrance but still feeling crummy. This was my second go-round with Itovebi (inavolisib) so I don’t know whether it’s the Itovebi, the combination with the flu shot or what. I stayed off the Itovebi for 2 weeks, they lowered the dose from 9 mg to 6 and I’ve been on that for 9 weeks and yesterday just decided I needed a break. They can lower it one more time to 3 mg but I’ll discuss it with my doctor. My arms and legs get weak, I get out of breath, get diarrhea, and dry mouth and mouth sores so it’s hard to eat, so I’m losing more weight than I should. On the plus side, my CT scans last week were good, but the past week has been tough. On top of that, I probably have to put my cat down this week 😢

The meds I have been on—Ibrance, Fulvesterant, and Zometa—have been fine.

The oncologist took me off Ibrance after 3-4 months because of severe nausea. I am on Exemestane 25mg daily. I also have an injection of Xgeva every 3 months with labs prior.He says the bone cancer is stable for now

I was on exemestane for 10 years with my first go-round of breast cancer 18 years ago. The side effects were tolerable.

Luckily my 3rd week blood test came back great. Blood count went from 1-2.5 🎉. So back on Verzenio and all is good.