Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); estrogen receptor antagonist
Generic and brand names: fulvestrant, injection; Faslodex
This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat breast cancer in women who have been through menopause (no longer have monthly periods). This treatment is used when the cancer has continued after antiestrogen treatment. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also, tell your provider if you take medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin) or dabigatran (Pradaxa).
This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children). If you plan to have children someday, talk with your healthcare provider before you start treatment.
Your healthcare provider will give you the shots once a month. This medicine is given by intramuscular injection (a shot deep into a muscle of the buttocks). The length of treatment will depend on your response to this medicine. Keep all appointment for shots.
Your provider may want to check you regularly to see how this medicine is working for you.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bruising or bleeding; severe dizziness; fever; chest pain; shortness of breath; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; vaginal bleeding.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, back pain, hot flashes, hoarseness, trouble sleeping, swelling or pain at the injection site, bone or joint pain, back pain, weakness, urinary tract infection, loss of appetite.
No significant interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
