|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (fool
VES
trant) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Faslodex® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antineoplastic Agent, Estrogen Receptor Antagonist |
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|
| 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? |
|
|
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. |
|
|
| What are the common 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 candy, or chewing gum may help.
Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually
reversible. |
|
|
| 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.
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.
For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
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 |
|
|
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. |
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