Zoladex 3 monthly available but not PBS covered for women
I wanted to share something I recently learned as it might help ease the burden of regular monthly injections. I recently learned that the goserelin injections many of us have monthly are actually available in a 3 monthly dose (10.8mg). I was a really hopeful thinking this could significantly reduce the stress, time and cost that comes with needing to have an injection every 4 weeks. However, my Med Onc informed me that in Australia, the PBS doesn't subsidise the 3 monthly dose for women, although it does for men (prostate cancer). The reasoning given that there's `insufficient evidence of reliable suppression of serum oestradiol' in women. What doesn't make sense is that there is evidence suggesting otherwise. Recent research indicates that the 3 monthly dose is non-inferior to the monthly dose for pre-menopausal women with breast cancer in terms of ovarian suppression. For me, the monthly injections come with a real burden: financially - GP visits and medication add up every month time wise - frequent GP appointments and pharmacy trips take time out of the week. physically and emotionally - injection itself is painful, it's a large slow release implant into the abdominal subcutaneous tissue. The main alternative - surgical removal of the ovaries is obviously much more invasive and comes with it's own risks and long term consequences. Given that the 3 monthly option is already in use, clinically tested and could ease the burden for many of us, I would really like to see equal PBS access for women. I'm curious, has anyone else looked into this and how to go about taking action?
Travelling overseas with zoladex injections
Hello 🙂 I'm heading overseas for about 6 weeks to visit family, and I'm taking my zoladex injections with me. Will I be able to take them in my hand luggage? I'll be declaring them, and will have a letter from my oncologist, but qantas webpage isn't 100% clear about carrying them when I won't need to use them on the flight. I don't really want to check them in, in case my luggage goes missing.
Update: I got heavy period 1 week after 1st Zoladex injection. Any similar experience?
Hello everyone. I wish you have a happy Sunday. I am 33 y.o. and diagnosed with localised advanced HER2-positive breast cancer last month. I got zoladex injection on Thursday (12/9). As expected, I didn't get the period which is normally usually come around last weekends. Got my first chemo on Friday (20/9) [I choose to go with Perjeta/Pertuzumab treatment btw]. Overall so good, only normal sympthoms like sore and dry throat, thrush, very mild tingling sensation. may be because I still consume the dexamethasone as prescribed for Day 2. I took the Ziextenzo (pegfilgrastim) injection around 25 hrs after the chemo as instructed. No alergic reaction. Only mild ache. But, a couple of hours later I felt burning sensation during urination and when I tried to hold my urine, then the urine got redder plus I found blood on my panty. I went to ER. Surprisingly my temp a little bit over 38C (At that time I felt okay, no sweat or chills). Got observed, blood test, urine test, chest xray. Overall nothing concerning except the blood in urine and the discomfort during urination. During the urine MCS I found blood on my pads like during period, but redder (usually I have darker spot). This made me unsure whether the blood came from my urethra or uterus. But because I feel pain during urination + the fever, I discharged with UTI diagnosis. Got antibiotic iv + antibiotic prescription. I got much better after had some sleep at home. It is still a little bit hurt during urination, but much-much better. However, the blood got redder and it become more-more similar to period sympthoms. Like a heavy period will storm in. I plan to observe what will happen today, and will consult my oncologist tomorrow. But, if someone here have experience with period after 1st zoladex injection or similar sympthoms, I will really appreciate your insight (PS: Sorry for the long post and grammar mistake, english is not my 1st language) Thank you :heart:
Zoladex & Letrazole or Tamoxifen or Remove ovaries + Letrazole
Hi all :) Firstly, this forum is amazing and I am so grateful for it and all of you who take the time to share and respond. When you feel like no one else can relate it really just gives one comfort. Im 41, was HER2 positive, chemo & surgery done. Mid way through radiation. I have been on Zoladex from during chemo (8 months) Chemo side effects were minimal and it was effective, I perhaps did not notice side effects and was running on adrenaline or in survival mode. Now that, some time has passed I have noticed some side effects that are bothering me and want to get off Zoladex but chatting to my oncologist about it, her recommendation is to stay on zoladex Bone pain, fatigue, hot flushes, irritability, disturbed sleep, belly fat, weight gain :( are the side effects I have been experiencing. Not to mention the injection can be painful. I have to have herceptin for the next year every 3 weeks and zoladex every month for 5 plus year and the letrazole for minimum of 7-10 years. These are my protential options Zoladex & Letrazole Tamoxifen Remove ovaries + Letrazole I guess what I am looking for is to hear about your experiences or route you took and whether the symptoms subside or anything to manage them. Does eating better and exercise really help with the weight gain or is it inevitable? Look forward to hearing from you. Feeling overwhelmed today
Zoladex covered by PBS?
This Wednesday I will be seeing a new oncologist for a second opinion. My initial oncologist recommended Zoladex and Aromasin as part of my hormone treatment. Im researching all I can before my appointment this Wednesday, is there guidelines or restrictions on the PBS cover for these drugs? I have "Googled" as much as I can but Im still a bit confused..obviously I will ask my oncologist when I see him. I may even be recommended a different hormone treatment altogether, but thought I need to do my research prior to my visit and be prepared. I have found a copy of "The Beacon" newsletter dated 2015 which was included in my breast care pack, this outlined PBS restrictions which applied to zoladex, but may be well outdated now. Thanks!
Letrozole / Zoladex Side Effects Hitting Hard
Hi there, I'm day 9 of Letrozole, and week 2 of my second Zoladex injection. The joint pain has hit, but my biggest challenge is fluid retention, especially in my legs. Sitting and standing are really hard, I can't bend my legs more than 90 degrees. I've tried lying with my feet elevated but to no apparent benefit. (both drugs' eviQ notes have edema as a side effect) Given it's Good Friday and everyone in my medical team is uncontactable, any clues on what I can do to alleviate or relieve this? Taking 2 hourly meds for the joint pain (panadol then nurofen) but this has no discernible impact on the swelling. Meant to be flying to Perth tonight to see my father - but worried and thinking I should cancel. Any advice? Kelly
Zoladex vs oophorectomy
I'm currently on Zoladex and have had four injections. Even though I'm 42 they make me feel as if I'm 82! The all over body joint aches, whilst not painful as such, is pretty constant. It's a side effect of Zoladex but I'm concerned that it will get worse when I start taking Exemestane. It's for this reason that I'm considering an oophorectomy as I don't want double the joint aches! My questions for those in a similar or the same situation as me, are: 1. Would you expect that after four injections I'm experiencing the full effects of Zoladex or is it early days? 2. How many injections did you have before deciding to have an oophorectomy? 3. Do you still have joint pain after having an oophorectomy (from the Exemestane)? 4. Do you regret having an oophorectomy? Thanks!
