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Enzalutamide

Suggestion for side effects. Experiences side effects.

  1. Everyone reacts differently so I’ve read. I was on xtandi Enzalutamide) for 3 yrs , took a five month break and just started taking it again 3 weeks ago. My med onc says Xtandi & Lupron work together so that’s what I’m dealing with. My side effects are consistently hot flashes, brain fog, loss of muscle, fatigue, weight gain and osteoporosis. The degree of intensity just depends on how your body reacts. I try to exercise and eat a more plant based diet. My cancer Mets are on bone and now lungs. To look at me, I’m a regular chunky guy.
    I did lose my hair from the chest to my toes. Kept my beard! 100% of your ability to deal with side effects is attitude and support from those closest to you. Holler if you have any questions. I bought neck fan and embr wrist band to help with hot flashes.

    1. Apppreciate the info. I am not finding hot flashes a big issue but I had covid in November and stated Enza just after so fatigue was a huge issue with loss of muscle mass, rapid weight loss, and fatigue. Brain fog also noticable. I also take Lupron although I believed it is now ineffective. I used to take Casodex with Lupron but Casodex was stopped, started and stopped. I cut back from 4 to 3 Enazlutamide but PSA is rising. I am thinking of herbals.....PC Slowly regaining appetite with help of Boost/Ensure and mild exercise as much as tolerable plus support from others.

    2. I think you'll probably hear suggestions from many of the prostate cancer patients on this site but here are a couple things we've learned as my husband managed his prostate cancer. Everyone's side effects are different, and everyone learn to cope with whatever way works best for them. We focused a lot on nutrition - there are many articles and books on good foods, bad foods and we found his diet did really did make a difference in how he felt. He found exercise to be helpful but he could not exercise on a regular schedule as some days he felt much worse and just couldn't muster up the energy. Those days, he gave himself grace which is something we all need to learn to do. Many people struggle with that, as we did, but it's very important. We also found that trying to remain positive is important. Just like energy, it's not always there and we extend grace, but keep trying to be as positive as possible. Accept the support, both physical, emotional and spiritual, help of families and friends. I hope these give you some ideas that may be helpful.

  2. Hi I am glad you reached out. While I hope our community members respond with their personal experiences, I am sending you over this article from one of our advocates. I hope it is helpful. Jill, prostatecancer.net team https://prostatecancer.net/living/xtandi-sexual-health

    1. For the past 2 years - I have been on Lupron & XTANDI
      My prostate cancer did return and i metastasis to my spine and right rib
      ……….. the bottom line
      1. This a VERY EFFECTIVE COMBINATION- my PSA has been undetectable since starting this combination for the past 2 years.
      2. The SIDE EFFECTS ARE REAL and YOU MUST MANAGE THEM
      the fatigue and muscle loss is substantial- this has effected my balance and arthritis pain because of lack of muscle support
      the depression and cloudy recent recall memory is present
      Hot flashes after a hot shower is interesting
      Body image changes - breast enlargement and penis shrinking with ED
      BUT - with these side effects - IS THE PRICE TO PAY IS SO I CAN BE WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN
      WE FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
      I wish you all the best

      1. thank you for sharing this. I am so glad you get to be with your grandchildren!! Sending you strength. Jill (Team Member)

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