Faslodex (fulvestrant) is an anti-estrogen medication. It works by blocking the actions of estrogen in the body. Certain types of breast cancer use estrogen to grow and multiply in the body.
Faslodex is used to treat some hormone-related breast cancer. Faslodex is also used in postmenopausal women whose breast cancer has progressed after treatment with other anti-estrogen medication.
Faslodex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not receive Faslodex if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
You should not receive Faslodex if you are allergic to fulvestrant, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before you receive Faslodex, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, or thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in the blood). Also tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.
Before I receive Faslodex
You should not receive Faslodex if you are allergic to fulvestrant, or if you are pregnant.
To make sure you can safely receive Faslodex, tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, especially:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Faslodex if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether fulvestrant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Faslodex.
How is Faslodex given?
Faslodex is injected into a muscle of your buttock. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Faslodex is usually given once every 2 weeks at first, and then once a month. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Faslodex injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid?
Fulvestrant can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Faslodex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Faslodex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious Faslodex side effects may include:
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headache, back pain;
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bone pain, joint pain, muscle pain;
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vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation;
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weakness, feeling tired;
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cough, trouble breathing;
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pain in your arms or legs;
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hot flashes; or
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pain where the medicine was injected.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Faslodex?
Before you receive Faslodex, tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
There may be other drugs that can interact with Faslodex. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
