Fareston

 
Generic Name: toremifene

Brands: Fareston

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What is the most important information I should know about Fareston?

· Before taking Fareston, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be able to take this medication.

 

What is Fareston?

· Fareston blocks estrogen from reaching cancer cells. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.

· Fareston is used to slow the growth of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread from the original tumor). Unlike chemotherapy, Fareston does not actually destroy cancer cells.

· Fareston may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fareston?

· Before taking Fareston, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be able to take this medication.

· Fareston is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Fareston is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Fareston passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Fareston?

· Take Fareston exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Fareston is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Fareston can be taken with or without food.

· Fareston should be taken at the same time each day whenever possible.

· Store Fareston at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Missing one dose is not likely to affect your treatment. Skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

· If you miss two or more doses in a row, contact your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of Fareston is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison control center for advice if you suspect that an overdose has been taken.

· Symptoms of a Fareston overdose may include hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding or discharge.

 

What should I avoid while taking Fareston?

· Avoidance or limiting the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol may help decrease hot flashes and sweating associated with the use of Fareston.

 

What are the possible side effects of Fareston?

· Stop taking Fareston and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain, which may be caused by hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood);     ·pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg (may indicate a blood clot);     ·chest pain;     ·blurred vision; or     ·vaginal bleeding.

· If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Fareston and talk to your doctor:     ·hot flashes;     ·sweating; or     ·vaginal discharge.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Fareston?

· Before taking Fareston, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin);     ·a thiazide diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diurigen, Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, others), indapamide (Lozol), or metolazone (Diulo, Mykrox, Zaroxolyn); or     ·a seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), ethosuximide (Zarontin), or phenytoin (Dilantin).

· Your may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Fareston. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Fareston written for health professionals that you may read.

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