Hello,
I know (I think) that fulvestrant isn’t approved for use unless AIs haven’t worked, but does anybody know how effective it is compared to letrozole and if it has fewer side-effects? Also, if anybody has been prescribed it because AIs were too unpleasant?
I’m heartily fed up with letrozole - having to take anti-depressants to cope with the pain and the horrible feeling of despair, worried about damage to eyes and bones, and unable to do what I want to do without taking aspirin, which seems to be the only thing that breaks through the mental and physical heaviness but which I’ve been told not to take. I wasn’t menopausal when I got prescribed it, so it was like a steam hammer striking a grape - far too much all at once.
I’m wondering whether it’s worth using up my pension money to get fulvestrant privately for a couple of years’ respite.
I’d be grateful for any answers,
B
Hi @blueparakeet, there is information about fulvestrant on the European Medicines Agency website which may be useful…
Fulvestrant 250mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 12022 Fulvestrant 250mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 12022
The trials appear to have been done with this drug alone i.e. nothing else being taken alongside.
Hopefully, you will get a response from someone who is taking it.
I’m interested in your findings as well. I did not tolerate anastrozole, Letrozole, or Tamoxifen. I am currently on 3/4 dose of Raloxifene which is where I am staying. I still have terrible arthritis but do daily ballet class. My hands are arthritic, just started hand therapy.
Let us know what you discover and good luck!
H Tulip29 , l have been having Fulvestrant injections once a month and also 2 x Ribociclib tablets daily for over a year now and haven’t had any side effects apart from hot flushes from time to time.