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@stirfry Ive never had a delay in treatment due to bloodwork but I do have some low results in my labs too. I know that nothing helped the fatigue I had until we reduced the dose to 80% after a few good MRI’s. The lower dose was s huge improvement has has continued to work for another couple of years so far.

Hi @faslodex girls

I made some virtual enquiries about the storage guidelines for Faslodex. Below is the reply.

Faslodex (fulvestrant) can safely last outside the refrigerator for a maximum of 28 days. [1, 2]You must keep it below 25°C (77°F) during this time. If it gets warmer than 30°C (86°F), it can spoil quickly and should not be used. [1, 2, 3]Keep these storage rules in mind:

• The 28-day rule: This time limit is cumulative. If you take it out for 5 days, return it to the fridge, and take it out again, the total time out of the fridge must never exceed 28 days.
• Protect from light: Keep the pre-filled syringe in its original package until you are ready to use it.
• Do not freeze: Freezing can damage the medicine. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Real-world tip: The medicine is thick and can be hard to push through the needle if it is too cold. You can take the syringe out of the fridge about 30 minutes before your appointment so it warms up to room temperature. This makes the shot much more comfortable.

Upon enquiring why storage guidelines are different for Faslodex and Fulvestrant, I got the following reply.

While Faslodex and Fulvestrant are the exact same drug, Fulvestrant is the chemical (generic) name, and Faslodex is the original brand name manufactured by AstraZeneca. [1, 2, 3]. However, your observation about refrigeration is partially correct and comes down to the difference between the original brand and certain generic formulations.

[1]The Storage Difference: Brand vs. Generic

While the active drug is identical, different manufacturers use slightly different inactive ingredients (excipients) or stability testing. This affects how they must be stored: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Faslodex (Brand Name): Must be stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). It can only handle short "temperature excursions" outside the fridge for up to 28 days. [1, 2]
• Certain Generic Fulvestrant Injections: Some generic versions (such as those approved by the FDA or specialized brands like Fulvestrant EVER Pharma) are chemically stabilized to be stored continuously at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for their entire shelf life. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How to Tell Which One You Have

Because storage rules depend entirely on the specific manufacturer of your prescription, you should always check the outer packaging: [1]

• If the box says Faslodex, keep it in the fridge.
• If the box says Fulvestrant, look for the storage section on the carton. It will explicitly state whether it requires constant refrigeration or if it is approved for room temperature storage.

I felt confused but now I get the whole picture.

Hi all, @radiation_cinderella You mentioned eye allergy. I had/have what I thought were hives or an allergic reaction on my upper and lower eyelids but antihistamines or benedryl didn’t help. I saw an allergist onc who said it was not hives but a dermatitis for which I was given Tacrolimus ointment for eyelids that is not steroidal. Can’t use steroids near the eyes. This all started after my second set of Fulvestrant shots my first month (last month). At that time, the only med I was on were the shots - I was told this is a rare side effect but a known one. It comes and goes. The ointment helps but it looks greasy so I only use it it in the evening if I home for the night.
Not sure if this matches your issue but thought I would mention it.

Good luck!! xoxojuliana

I ha e allergies but this year was worse than ever. I think these meds do make us much more sensitive to everything.

hi everyone, I hope you’re all holding on!
I have a quick question - anyone here is developing a general allergy? It started with me in the spring then the past few weeks I had a painful eye allergy that got really bad after my last Faslodex shot. I didn’t think it’s related till someone told me she developed a general allergy 14 months after taking Femara. I emailed my oncologist to ask him but thought of asking here as well.

Thanks! 🙏🏽