TOREMIFENE - ORAL

TOREMIFENE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (tor-EM-eh-feen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fareston

GENERIC NAME(S): toremifene citrate

Uses

USES: Toremifene is used in postmenopausal women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer). It is usually used to treat cancer that needs estrogen, a female hormone, in order to grow (estrogen-receptor positive). Toremifene is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that blocks the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.


How to use TOREMIFENE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. Inform your doctor right away if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, or dizziness may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint/muscle pain or swelling, constipation, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), trouble walking/clumsiness, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, eye pain). Toremifene may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you develop changes in menstrual period, unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel). Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Toremifene has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) blood clots in the lungs/legs, brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain/swelling in the groin/calf, pain in the chest/jaw/left arm, confusion, fainting, severe sudden headache, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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: See also Warning section. Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, 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: bone cancer (metastases), blood disorders (e.g., anemia, low platelets), diabetes, history of stroke or other blood clots (e.g., in the legs, lungs), heart disease (e.g., heart attack, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver disease, long periods of sitting or lying down (e.g., immobility such as being bedridden), uterus problems such as endometrial hyperplasia. 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. Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight). During pregnancy, toremifene should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away. Women of childbearing age should use reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication. Discuss the use of birth control, the risks and benefits of this medication, and any other concerns about using this medication with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. 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. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), estrogens, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove toremifene from your body (e.g., certain anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine/clonazepam/phenobarbital/phenytoin, rifampin). Many drugs besides toremifene may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, granisetron, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others.

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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FARESTON 60 MG TABLET

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Faq for TOREMIFENE - ORAL

Toremifene is an oral medication that belongs to a group of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It is primarily used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Toremifene works by blocking the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue, which helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells. It also acts as an estrogen agonist in some tissues, such as bone, improving bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

The recommended dosage of Toremifene is 60 mg taken orally once daily with or without food.

Common side effects of Toremifene may include hot flashes, vaginal discharge or dryness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. It may also cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing colors.

No, Toremifene is not approved or recommended for use in men. It is specifically indicated for postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

The duration of Toremifene treatment may vary depending on the individual's response and specific situation. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the duration of treatment.

If you miss a dose of Toremifene, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Toremifene. Alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

Toremifene may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. It is important to discuss your medical history and any potential risks with your doctor before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and screening may be required during treatment.


Warning

WARNING: Toremifene has caused very serious (possibly fatal) heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, torsades de pointes). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe dizziness, or fainting. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm. Before using toremifene, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see also Drug Interaction section) and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using toremifene safely.


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.