Fulvestrant



Faslodex®







Fulvestrant

(fool VES trant)

U.S. Brand Names
Faslodex®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Estrogen Receptor Antagonist
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to fulvestrant or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have bleeding problems.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat breast cancer.
How does it work?
  • Fulvestrant prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer cells. This decreases spread of the cancer.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle once a month.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help. This usually improves in a few weeks.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: