Faslodex cough?

GoldenGirls

My mother's in a bit of a conundrum and looking for input from others. She started her Faslodex loading doses just over a week ago and is due for the next this week. She already had her usual dry chemo cough from the chemo she finished 6 weeks ago, but the Faslodex made it worse it seems. It's a dry cough that worsens when she speaks but seems to be finally improving.

The cough led her to the urgent care clinic where all tests came back fine (chest xray, EKG, blood cultures). They put her on an antibiotic just in case it was the start of some sort of respiratory infection.

The problem is that her oncologist is out of the country and the onc that his nurse consulted with isn't sure if my mom should get her next round of Faslodex this week or postpone it until next week when the oncologist is back. Turns out no one--not the on-call onc, nurse, or pharmacy--can confirm whether or not it is safe to take Faslodex while on an antibiotic. (It's still relatively new here in Canada). They're also not completely sure if the cough is from Faslodex, though they do know it can be a side effect. They've left it up to my mother how to proceed.

Has anyone experienced cough with Faslodex? Also, has anyone been on antibiotics when getting Faslodex?

Tina2

I've been on Faslodex for nearly five years and have never had a cough that I associate with treatment.

I took massive doses of antibiotics pre-and post-hip replacement two years ago with the blessing of both my oncologist and surgeon. I also take an antibiotic before having dental work. I don't think it's an issue.

If you're uncertain, why not consult with a pharmacist? They know about and can easily research possible drug interactions.

Tina

GoldenGirls

Thanks Tina! They did consult with the pharmacist and no information was found to indicate that it is or is not a problem. The drug is still fairly new here in Canada and only a handful of people at her cancer center have been on it so they're not completely certain how to proceed. Personally, I think the on-call oncologist is just being overly cautious since my mom is not his patient and her regular onc is the director of oncology at the cancer center.

I'll let her know that you've been on antibiotics while on Faslodex with no issues.

I found an old thread about cough with Faslodex and many of the women describe exactly the same type of cough she has: dry, from the throat as opposed to the chest, and almost feels like a strangling sensation when trying to speak that comes and goes. Crazy.

artistatheart

Yes, I have to say I have had a little bit of a dry throat/cough lately. I was thinking it was allergies but it's a little different. Like sometimes when I am talking I get a dry spot and have to cough a few times. Then I gulp water. It is the worst at night. Not POSITIVE it the Faslodex but feel it sort of is.

GoldenGirls

They're postponing my mom's next dose until next week when her onc is back because they're worried the cough isn't from Faslodex because apparently "only 5 percent of women on it get cough". I'm glad they're being cautious but a little peeved that I've come across dozens of women (on another forum) describing the same cough from Faslodex. Seems like it's a little more common than what the pharmacist read in the pamphlet.

brandall

I've been on Faslodex twice now and never had a cough either time. I've also taken antibiotics both times I've been on it. Hope your mom's cough clears up and she is able to get her shots.

Rachel1

I don't know if it's falsodex, but I've got it big time. I can hardly speak at times because I start coughing. Mine is not improving either. I've been on faslodex since June. I keep thinking it wii go away as the month progresses, but nope. I make excuses at work or on the phone saying I have a cold or allergies. It's so annoying

Anonymous

Thank you for the thread and info. I was on Faslodex for over two years. The cough was endless. Now, always I had a cough from laughing. I could have been dx w childhood asthma from having parents that smoked (windows up in car, two of them). But this turned to hell.

I spent months blaming the Faslodex for the cough. I finally went off the Faslodex in Spring 2016 after a PET CT showed clear except one hilar node. I remained on Arimidex and had options to use Ibrance or other tx. The cough continued.

EDIT: by the way, the Feb 2016 PET CT that showed clear is now highly in question bcz the Oct 2016 scan states MULTIPLE nodes in the (throat / thyroid region) are now INCREASED IN SIZE and GREATER ACTIVITY. This should have been reported and that is heartbreaking. So it was there before February!

After a Spring, Summer, Autumn of chasing possibilities and making changes in my food, environment, practices, seeing too many doctors and asking for help way too often to NO avail.

After all that, a PET CT scan was done and the cancer is in so many nodes and to liver.

The cough and symptoms are likened to thyroid cancer - and the labs revealed nothing, no clue.

If there is a cough, in hind sight, I say clearly, make them to an ultrasound and Xrays. I know the PET CT is only allowed on some insurances at 6-month intervals.

As far as the medical profession, I was going to deal with my notes and feelings today but am defining the next move in treatment. This reminded me that even with Faslodex / bet inhibitor trial I am approved to enter on Tuesday, I cannot go on a tx that causes a cough.

Will update and edit later. Thanks for hearing the partial fury that is in me.