What is fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

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

Fulvestrant 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. 

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

What are the possible side effects of fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

Stop using fulvestrant 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 fulvestrant 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. You may report side effects  to FDA.

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

Your healthcare provider will probably administer the fulvestrant injection. If you are injecting fulvestrant 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  should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

Before using fulvestrant, 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 fulvestrant, or you may require  a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. 

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

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

How should I use fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

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

Fulvestrant is administered by intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. 

Your healthcare provider will probably administer  the fulvestrant injection. If you  are injecting fulvestrant 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 fulvestrant 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 (Faslodex)? 

Contact  your doctor if you miss a dose  of fulvestrant.

What happens if I overdose (Faslodex)? 

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

Symptoms of a fulvestrant overdose are not known. 

What should I avoid while using fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

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

What other drugs will affect fulvestrant (Faslodex)? 

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

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

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited June 10, 2010)