Cancer Treatment-Related Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer and Men With Prostate Cance

Publication Date: July 1, 2020
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Pharmacologic recommendations for women with breast cancer

For women with breast cancer who are experiencing drug- or surgery-induced hot flashes, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests using venlafaxine, paroxetine, or clonidine rather than no treatment for the management of symptoms or

  • The panel suggests using sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, or duloxetine rather than no treatment for the management of symptoms.a
( Conditional , )
(Low/Very low)
7037

Among these pharmaceuticals, the panel suggests using venlafaxine, paroxetine, or clonidine rather than sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, or duloxetine for the management of symptoms.a

( Conditional , Very low)
7037

Among venlafaxine, paroxetine, or clonidine, the panel suggests using venlafaxine or paroxetine rather than clonidine for the management of symptoms.a

( Conditional , Low)
7037

Remarks: Patients who have not responded to treatment with venlafaxine or paroxetine may wish to try clonidine to manage hot flash symptoms. Patients who have not responded to venlafaxine, paroxetine, or clonidine may wish to try these antidepressants: sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, or duloxetine.a


a Paroxetine and fluoxetine are strong CYP2D6 inhibitors and may significantly interfere with tamoxifen metabolism and, therefore, are contraindicated in women taking tamoxifen.

Overview

Title

Cancer Treatment-Related Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer and Men With Prostate Cancer

Authoring Organization

Oncology Nursing Society