Etcamah (camizestrant) is a hormone therapy used for certain types of breast cancer. Like other cancer treatments, Etcamah may cause side effects. Some can be managed with careful monitoring or simple steps at home, while others may require medical care or changes to your treatment plan.
Keep reading to learn about potential side effects of Etcamah, what you can do to prevent or manage side effects, and when to contact your health care provider.
This article does not include all possible side effects of Etcamah. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that are ongoing or bother you, even if they are not listed.
Common Etcamah Side Effects
The most common side effects and blood test changes seen in clinical studies include:
- Changes in blood cell counts, including low white blood cells, low red blood cells, and low platelets
- Vision changes
- Tiredness
Other side effects reported in clinical studies included dry eye, joint pain, back pain, and nausea.
Side effects can vary from person to person. Do not stop taking Etcamah on your own. Contact your health care provider if you have side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Serious Side Effects of Etcamah
While less common, potentially serious side effects of Etcamah may include an abnormal heart rhythm or slow heartbeat. Allergic reactions are also possible.
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care. Your provider can examine your symptoms and explain what steps to take next.
Tips for Managing Etcamah Side Effects
Some Etcamah side effects can be managed with careful monitoring. Your health care provider may use blood tests, heart tests, or other exams to watch for problems during treatment.
With some medicines, side effects can be managed by lowering the dose, but it’s not recommended for Etcamah. Instead, your health care provider may have you pause treatment until the problem improves or stop Etcamah for certain serious or ongoing side effects. Do not change your dose or stop treatment on your own.
The following sections explain some of the side effects to watch for and what may help manage them.
1. Changes in blood cell counts
Etcamah is typically taken with another type of medicine called a CDK4/6 inhibitor, and changes in blood cell counts were common in study participants taking these combinations. Changes may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular blood tests are important during treatment to help catch problems as early as possible.
In the main clinical study, 68% of people taking Etcamah with a CDK4/6 inhibitor had a drop in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. Other blood test changes included decreases in other white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Depending on which blood cells are affected, possible symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of an infection.
Keep all your appointments for blood tests so your health care provider can monitor your blood cell counts. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms that concern you. Your provider can decide whether treatment or changes to your cancer medicines are needed.
2. Vision changes
Vision changes were reported in 34% of people taking Etcamah with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in the clinical study.
Severe vision changes were uncommon, but possible vision changes may include:
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes in your field of vision
- Seeing flashes of light or floaters
Until you know how Etcamah affects your vision, be cautious with activities such as driving.
If you notice a change in your vision, tell your health care provider. Depending on how much the problem affects you, your provider may pause Etcamah until your vision improves, and they may refer you to an eye doctor for an exam and treatment.
3. Tiredness
In a study, tiredness or weakness occurred in 23% of people taking Etcamah with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Breast cancer itself can also lead to fatigue.
The following tips may help you manage tiredness:
- Get enough sleep and try to keep a regular sleep schedule.
- Eat regular, nutritious meals and drink enough fluids.
- Plan activities for times of day when you have the most energy.
- Take short rest periods when needed.
- Try light physical activity, such as walking, if possible.
Too much inactivity can sometimes worsen tiredness. Tell your health care provider if your tiredness is severe, does not improve, or starts interfering with your daily activities. Tiredness can also have other causes that your provider may want to check for, such as anemia (low red blood cell count).
4. Slow heartbeat
Etcamah can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). In the clinical study, this side effect occurred in 8% of people taking Etcamah. On average, heart rate dropped by about 13 beats per minute, with the largest drop seen around day 15 of treatment.
Your health care provider will monitor your heart rate during treatment. Closer monitoring is recommended during the first 30 days if your heart rate is already slow or you take another medicine that can lower your heart rate.
Contact your health care provider if you have a slow heart rate (some wearable fitness devices and home blood pressure monitors can measure heart rate). Get medical help right away for possible symptoms of slowed heart rate, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, a pounding or racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Etcamah may need to be paused until symptoms go away. You may also have to stop it permanently if your problem continues. Do not pause or stop treatment on your own; your health care provider will guide you.
5. Heart rhythm changes
Etcamah can affect the electrical activity that controls your heartbeat, causing a problem called QTc prolongation. This can raise the risk of dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, particularly when Etcamah is taken with ribociclib or certain other medicines that can also affect heart rhythm.
Before starting Etcamah, your health care provider will test your heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram (ECG). These tests are usually repeated weekly for the first two weeks and then as needed during treatment. Blood tests are also used to check electrolytes, which are minerals that can affect your heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, a pounding or racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Your health care provider may pause Etcamah while the problem is checked and treated. In some cases, Etcamah must be permanently stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions About Etcamah Side Effects
Can Etcamah affect fertility?
Etcamah may cause fertility problems, which could affect your ability to get pregnant or get a partner pregnant. If you have questions about protecting your fertility, discuss these concerns with your health care provider before starting Etcamah.
Does Etcamah cause hair loss?
Hair loss isn’t listed as a side effect in Etcamah’s labeling. However, Etcamah is typically prescribed in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, which may have its own side effects, including hair loss. If you notice hair loss or thinning during treatment, contact your health care provider to discuss what may be causing it and how to manage it.
Reducing Your Risk of Etcamah Side Effects
You can take these steps to help lower the risk of problems during Etcamah treatment:
- Take Etcamah exactly as prescribed.
- Keep all appointments for blood tests, heart checks, and other follow-up care.
- Keep track of new or changed symptoms and share them with your health care provider.
- Tell your health care provider about all medicines and supplements you use, as some can increase the risk of side effects.
- Contact your health care provider if a side effect does not improve or starts to affect your daily activities.
Do not change your dose or stop Etcamah on your own. Depending on the problem, your health care provider may pause treatment until the side effect improves or permanently stop Etcamah for certain serious or persistent side effects.
