Faslodex

 
Generic Name: fulvestrant

Brands: Faslodex

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

· Your healthcare provider will probably administer the Faslodex injection. If you are injecting Faslodex at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

 

What is Faslodex?

· Faslodex blocks the actions of estrogen in the body. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.

· Faslodex is used to treat some types of metastatic breast cancer that require estrogen to grow, in postmenopausal women whose cancer has progressed following treatment with other antiestrogen medication.

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

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Faslodex?

· Before using Faslodex, tell your doctor if you     ·have liver disease;     ·have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;     ·have thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in the blood); or     ·are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

· You may not be able to use Faslodex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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

· It is not known whether Faslodex passes into breast milk. Do not use Faslodex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I use Faslodex?

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

· Faslodex is administered by intramuscular (into a muscle) injection.

· Your healthcare provider will probably administer the Faslodex injection. If you are injecting Faslodex at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.

· Dispose of used needles and syringes in an appropriate puncture resistant container.

· Your healthcare provider will store Faslodex as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Faslodex.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of Faslodex is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Faslodex overdose are not known.

 

What should I avoid while using Faslodex?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Faslodex unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Faslodex?

· Stop using Faslodex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Faslodex and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache;     ·nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;     ·constipation or diarrhea;     ·loss of appetite;     ·swelling or water retention;     ·weakness;     ·hot flashes; or     ·mild pain or swelling at the injection site.

· 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 Faslodex?

· Before using Faslodex, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner. You may not be able to use Faslodex or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Faslodex. 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 Faslodex written for health professionals that you may read.

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