ENZALUTMSIDE - ZOLDEX - Short term memory loss

Hi Jonney . My husband was on Enzalutamide for 18 months and noticed a problem with short term memory increased compared to when he was just on the injection/implant. The hormone therapy can also cause some brain fog in some men. We have got into the routine of writing everything down on a calendar and he keeps a note book with him to jot things down - can be hilarious trying to decipher the cryptic notes. Macmillan have produced an information sheet on side effects of Enzalutamide and tips on how to deal with them.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/enzalutamide

He was also more prone to falls. He has been prescribed Xgeva to help protect the bones but men are often prescribed Biphosphonates so have you checked this out with the doctors. He also takes calcium and vitamin D with the doctors recommendation.

Hi Alwayshope

Thank-you for taking the time to reply. 

I was worried it was bringing on early dementia as i might be on the treatment for the duration. 

Thanks for the other suggestions, really helpful

Jonney

Hi Jonney

My husband has been on Enzalutamide for 6 months and Degaralix for one month longer. I don’t think we’ve noticed a significant deterioration in short term memory loss. But I’ll keep my sensors out for that.
 We were more concerned about night sweats causing real challenges in getting a decent night’s sleep. he’s now on Cyproterone and 2 weeks on it does seem to be helping in reducing the symptoms of sweating - especially at night as he had to change clothing and wash or dry out bed clothing every day. 
Hope you’re managing okay and not too concerned. I feel that brain fog and confusion can also be just down to stress and anxiety. 
Take care,

Jenny 

Hello Jenny28 

For the old sweats I am a firm believer in Sage Tablets - they sorted me out good and proper, although they did take a couple of weeks to kick in, but have been working for over 2 years.. They don't work foe everyone though!!

As the Cyproterone is working he should be fine!! (I remember the bad old days with wet clothes and towels at night - funny thing was my sweats were in summer, not winter when they would have helped with the heating!!).

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Brian,

I think you helpfully mentioned  Sage tablets before. He tried them for 2 weeks but no real change unfortunately. Since taking the Cyproterone he’s had his first sleep For more than 3 hours since June. So just thankful something is working! 

take care,

Jenny 

 Jonney I am only 9 weeks on Enzalutamide but 7 years on Zoladex and can definitely detect some change in my ability to remember short term items.  It appears to be where I lose the thread when I am talkin  Quite tricky at large meetings, so I write more notes before speaking, otherwise shrug it off as old age! . How long have you been on Enzalutamide?  David

Hi David

Enzalutamide, one month - Zoladex, just had my second shot.

I've started getting back into running again which has surprised as i thought fatigue had put pay to it.

Cheers

Jonney 

Hi Jenny28 

Please be aware that Cyproterone can cause a significant rise in his HbA1c blood sugar and might push him into type 2 diabetes. It might be worth asking your GP for a blood sugar test after taking Cyproterone for a few months just to keep an eye on it.

You can find the Patient Information Leaflet here:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6248.pdf

Thanks Seamus. Hmmm…. He gets fairly regular blood tests anyway - with the 4 weekly injections. I would have hoped they would have this sort of thing under review given that he’s got incurable cancer and heart failure, but we will mention it at next appointment.

Jenny