Fulvestrant is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body in women who have gone through "the change of life" (menopause). It is used in patients who have not responded well to other medications (e.g., tamoxifen). Breast cancer cells need the hormone estrogen in order to grow. Fulvestrant works by blocking the effect of estrogen, slowing tumor cell growth.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Faslodex IM
Uses
Fulvestrant is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body in women who have gone through "the change of life" (menopause). It is used in patients who have not responded well to other medications (e.g., tamoxifen). Breast cancer cells need the hormone estrogen in order to grow. Fulvestrant works by blocking the effect of estrogen, slowing tumor cell growth. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) in the original container, away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Once removed from the refrigerator, fulvestrant should be used within 1 hour.
How
To Use - Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
- If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Inject this medication slowly into the buttock muscle (intramuscularly - IM) usually once a month, or as directed by your doctor.
- You will be instructed on whether to give your dose as one or two injections.
- To minimize discomfort, the medication can be taken out of the refrigerator up to 1 hour before the scheduled dose and allowed to reach room temperature.This medication is normally clear and colorless to yellow in color.
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side
Effects - Pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, headache, body aches/pains, flushing and sweating (hot flushes/hot flashes), or trouble sleeping may occur.
- Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting physical activity may help lessen the chance of nausea and vomiting.
- If any of these effects continue or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: burning/painful/frequent urination, numbness/tingling/swelling of the hands or feet, pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs, bone/pelvis/hip pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), persistent cough, persistent vaginal bleeding, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to benzyl alcohol; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bleeding problems, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), current treatment with "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Fulvestrant is mainly used in women after menopause.
- If you have not gone through menopause and your doctor has prescribed this for you, this medication must not be used during pregnancy.
- It may cause harm to an unborn baby or miscarriage.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Women of childbearing age should use reliable form(s) of contraception such as proven barrier methods (e.g., latex condoms) during treatment and for at least 4 months after the end of treatment.
- Estrogen-containing products (e.g., birth control pills) should not be used.
- Consult your doctor for more details.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - It is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: estrogens.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fulvestrant.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |