Drug Notes

Fulvestrant (By injection)

Fulvestrant (ful-VES-trant)

Treats breast cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Faslodex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how fulvestrant works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test 7 days before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 year after your last dose of this medicine.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 year after your last dose of this medicine.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a bleeding or blood disorder.
• This medicine may increase your risk of bleeding, including vaginal bleeding.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, nausea
• Pain, itching, burning, numbness, tingling, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017