Fulvestrant Injection

Conditions Treated

Fulvestrant is used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones such as estrogen to grow) in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) and whose breast cancer has worsened after they were treated with antiestrogen medications such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Fulvestrant is in a class of medications called estrogen receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of estrogen on cancer cells. This can slow or stop the growth of some breast tumors that need estrogen to grow.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Fulvestrant may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• sore throat
• weakness
• flushing
• headache
• pain in bones, joints, or back
• pain, redness, or swelling in the place where your medication was injected
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• nervousness
• feelings of numbness, tingling, pricking, or burning on the skin
• sweating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Fulvestrant comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a muscle in the buttocks. Fulvestrant is administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical office. It is usually given once a month. You may receive your entire dose of medication as a single injection, or the dose may be divided into two injections that are given one after another. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking fulvestrant, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fulvestrant or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any bleeding problems or liver disease.