Fulvestrant, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); estrogen receptor antagonist

Generic and brand names: fulvestrant, injection; Faslodex

What is this medicine used for?

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.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a bleeding disorder
• liver disease

Also, tell your provider if you take medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin).

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.

How do I use it?

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.

What should I watch out for?

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.

What are the possible side effects?

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.

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.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, back pain, hot flashes, hoarseness, trouble sleeping, swelling or pain at the injection site, bone pain or joint pain, urinary tract infection, loss of appetite.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant interactions have been reported.

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.