FULVESTRANT - INJECTION

FULVESTRANT - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ful-VES-trant)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Faslodex

GENERIC NAME(S): fulvestrant

Uses

USES: Fulvestrant is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells need the hormone estrogen in order to grow. Fulvestrant works by blocking the effect of estrogen, slowing tumor cell growth.


How to use FULVESTRANT - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using fulvestrant and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by slow injection into the buttock muscle by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses and then monthly. The dosage is based on your medical condition.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, tiredness, headache, hot flashes, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, back/leg pain, bone/joint pain, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression), shortness of breath, cough that doesn't go away, burning/painful/frequent urination, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, bleeding problems, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using fulvestrant. Fulvestrant may harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy test should be done within 7 days of starting this medication. Ask your doctor about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 year after stopping treatment. Do not use birth control that contains estrogen. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 1 year after stopping treatment is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as estradiol levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for FULVESTRANT - INJECTION

Fulvestrant injection is used to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have not previously received endocrine therapy or have disease progression following endocrine therapy.

Fulvestrant injection works by blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells. It binds to the estrogen receptors, causing a downregulation and degradation of the receptors, leading to a decrease in estrogen signaling and inhibition of tumor growth.

Fulvestrant injection is given as an intramuscular injection into the buttocks. It is usually given as two separate 5 mL injections (each containing 250 mg) on days 1, 15, and 29, and then once monthly thereafter.

Common side effects of fulvestrant injection include injection site reactions (pain, swelling, itching), hot flashes, headache, nausea, bone pain, joint pain, fatigue, and constipation. Your healthcare provider will monitor for any serious side effects.

Fulvestrant injection may cause a decrease in bone mineral density, so it is important to monitor bone health and consider calcium and vitamin D supplementation. It may also cause fetal harm, so it should not be used during pregnancy. It is important to use effective contraception during treatment.

Fulvestrant injection is only approved for use in postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer. Its safety and effectiveness in men have not been established.

If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider to schedule the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

The duration of treatment with fulvestrant injection will depend on your individual response to the medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate duration of treatment.

Fulvestrant injection can be used as standalone treatment or in combination with other drugs, such as targeted therapies or chemotherapy, depending on the specific situation and recommendations from your healthcare provider.

Fulvestrant is an injection used in the treatment of breast cancer. It belongs to a class of medications called selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) that work by blocking the action of estrogen in the body.

Fulvestrant is given as an intramuscular injection into the buttocks. The injection should be administered once a month by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Fulvestrant may include hot flashes, nausea, fatigue, headache, joint pain, and injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or bruising.

Fulvestrant has been shown to be effective in treating various types of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer who have not responded well to other treatments.

Yes, Fulvestrant can be used in combination with other breast cancer medications, such as aromatase inhibitors or CDK4/6 inhibitors, to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach.

The duration of Fulvestrant treatment may vary depending on the individual's response to the medication and the stage of breast cancer being treated. It may be given for several months or even years.

Fulvestrant should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the medication. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems, as well as in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Fulvestrant should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It should not be frozen. Once the medication is removed from the refrigerator, it should be used within 30 minutes.

No, Fulvestrant should be administered by a healthcare professional. It is not recommended for self-administration at home.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.