French breast and prostate cancer patients face paying out of pocket for Zoladex starting December 15, 2025, after drug manufacturer AstraZeneca requested its removal from national health reimbursement lists for economic reasons. The decision leaves thousands of patients scrambling for alternative treatments or facing severe financial strain to maintain their exact medication regimens.
AstraZeneca Cites Economic Pressures for Zoladex Delisting
Subcutaneous Zoladex implants, which use the active ingredient goserelin, will lose their 100% reimbursement status by the French Social Security system on December 15, 2025, according to the specialized database Vidal. AstraZeneca sought the removal because the current French pricing structure no longer supports sustainable, long-term supply in a market it views as insufficiently competitive and attractive.
Until December 14, 2025, the two standard presentations of Zoladex remain fully covered by Social Security at regulated prices of 86.03 euros for the 3.6 mg dose and 256.66 euros for the 10.8 mg dose. After that date, the medication remains available in pharmacies, but patients must cover the entire cost themselves.
The decision drew immediate criticism from healthcare professionals. Laura Cerminara, professional practice pharmacist for the Union of Officinal Pharmacists’ Syndicates (USPO), called the move concerning on political, scientific, and public health levels for a medication that remains clinically relevant for cancer treatment. Cerminara noted that while the delisting stems from a commercial choice by the manufacturer rather than a government policy shift, the healthcare system must measure the consequences to prioritize patient continuity of care.
Patient Impact and Alternative Treatment Concerns
The sudden transition has exposed gaps in medical logistics and patient communication. Jasmine, a 29-year-old breast cancer patient diagnosed two years ago, learned about the reimbursement cutoff on Instagram. Her radiotherapist subsequently issued a new prescription for an alternative drug, Enantone, without direct discussion or explanation.
While official alternatives like Enantone and Décapeptyl remain on the market and fully reimbursed, patients and advocates report that these options do not suit everyone. Jasmine noted that Enantone can cause severe side effects, while lower dosages of Décapeptyl may carry a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Enantone also requires an intramuscular injection rather than a subcutaneous one, increasing physical discomfort and frequently requiring a home nurse visit.
The financial burden compounds the medical stress. Following surgery in August 2024, six months of heavy chemotherapy, and 32 radiation sessions, Jasmine paused her career for a year and a half. After returning to part-time work in September 2025 and losing supplemental daily allowances, she relies on a reduced salary that barely covers basic living expenses, forcing her to forgo a 12,000-euro private reconstructive surgery.