Fareston

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FLtricia
FLtricia Member Posts: 140
edited July 2014 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Finished radiation earlier this week.  Stopped by MO office to set appointment, and they said he would call in prescription for hormonal drug to get started on and set my appt. for first week in September.  When I looked at pharmacy info sheet it said this is for metastatic patients.  I went on-line and here on "Hormone Therapy" section and it also says this.

This is my second cancer, but it was Stage 1 Grade 1 both times.  Last time I was put on Evista for 5 years because of my osteopenia/osteoporosis.  Also had mastectomy and CMF chemo.  One year after stopping Evista I had a 1CM 90% ER/PR positive tumor in other breast.  I feel like Evista failed.  And Fareston is another SERM.  I asked how I could have a 1 CM tumor despite the Evista and was told my body found a way around the estrogen block put up by Evista.

My question is are there any others out there with similar pathology to mine on Fareston?  And what were you told by your oncologist as to why you were being prescribed therapy approved for metastatic patients.  I plan to ask my doctor, but that will be in a few weeks, and I want as much information as possible when I sit down with him.

Thank you.  This site is such a wonderful source to find out from others like yourself, from all over geographically, their experiences.

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited August 2013

    FLtricia, so sorry for your troubles... I have tried Tamox and did not do well, I tried Fareston and was very happy on it but it was very expensive, insurance was not paying, so I went on Arimidex with Clariten because it helped with SE (not sure why), I am still on Arimidex (1 1/2yrs) but I am now feeling it, my bones HURT, my feet have neropathy and I am in pain.. I have changed insurances, which will now pay for Fareston, so I am thinking to go back on.

    I was told by my MO that it is equivalent to Tamox, just doesnt have the CYP that people are not able to digest.. The reason alot of people do not take it is because of cost, no generic brands.  (stupid insurances!)

    I am looking to find out more before switching back, but I really can not take anymore of the A1, I feel like my bones will snap if I turn the wrong way.. Let me know if you find out any more info.

    Good luck!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2013

    Wow, Fltrica!

    Stage1 1 cm grade 1.  This is a diagnosis that many would say, "how lucky you are with this kind of diagnosis"!   And yet here you are with another bout with bc in the other breast.  This is my biggest worry.  Everyone minimizes my low grade dianosis with only 2 positive nodes, but I worry all the time it will re-appear on the same side or in other breast or go mets somewhere else.

    image

     

    Barb
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  • katymom
    katymom Member Posts: 141
    edited September 2013

    I was on femara for 5 1/2 years.  Last March I started tamoxifen.  I did fine until 6 months into it but I have too many side effects (depression, moodiness, fatigue, etc).  I am getting ready to take a month vacation then we'll either go back on it or try the fareston.  Interested in hearing what side effects anyone has with it.

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  • FLtricia
    FLtricia Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2013

    I have been on Fareston for about a month.  I feel no side effects.  It didn't start out that way.  I had headaches, and a queasy feeling within an hour or so after taking one.

    I took 1/2 tab for a few days which helped, then thought of taking right before bed.  That was the answer for me.

     I really want to stay on it not only for risk reduction but also to protect my bones.

    My MO explained that tamoxifin, Evista and Fareston are "cousins." They each have some differences, but work by blocking estrogen receptors unlike AI's which stop you from producing estrogen (the reason for bone issues that arise).

    I hope you find the right prescription for you, Katymom.  It's frustrating to need the drug and have it make life difficult for you.

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  • GrammyR
    GrammyR Member Posts: 702
    edited September 2013

    Hi ladies- I am on my 2nd go around w/BC. I was put on Tamoxifen about a month ago. I had failed w/ three others several years back. I have had loss appetite, nausea and a gall bladder attack all while I am going thru radiation now. So I stopped it yesterday- thinking I would try again once done w/Rads. I may ask about Fareston next as I am running out of options. I do not think my insurance will cover it however so I am wondering what the cost might be. I am on Medicare only.

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited July 2014

    Medicare plan D covers Fareston

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