Halotestin: What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Halotestin (chemical name: fluoxymesterone) is a medicine that can block the activity of the hormone estrogen. It is sometimes used to treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, but other hormonal therapy medicines, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, are generally more effective. Halotestin is now used very rarely for the treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-positive uses estrogen to grow. Halotestin increases androgen — which, in turn, lowers the amount of estrogen in the body.

Halotesin is available as a pill. Your dose may be between 10 and 40 mg. Your doctor may recommend you divide your dose to ensure stable blood levels. 

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Halotestin can cause side effects, some of them severe.

The most common side effects of Halotestin are:

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  headache

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  facial hair growth

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  nausea

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  acne

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  anxiety

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  insomnia

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  libido changes

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  irregular periods

Tell your doctor if you experience extreme mood changes.

The cost of Halotestin may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. 

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Halotestin. 

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.