|
USES:
Fulvestrant is used to
treat
breast cancer
that has spread to other areas of the body in
women who have gone through "the change of life"
(menopause).
It is used in patients who have not responded
well to other medications (e.g.,
tamoxifen).
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:
Learn all preparation and usage instructions in
the product package. If any of the information
is unclear, consult your doctor or
pharmacist.Inject this medication slowly into
the buttock muscle (intramuscularly - IM)
usually once a month, or as directed by your
doctor. You will be instructed on whether to
give your dose as one or two injections. To
minimize discomfort, the medication can be taken
out of the refrigerator up to 1 hour before the
scheduled dose and allowed to reach room
temperature.This medication is normally clear
and colorless to yellow in color. Before using,
check this product visually for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use
the liquid.Learn how to store and discard
needles and medical supplies safely. Consult
your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Pain/swelling/redness at the injection site,
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
constipation,
diarrhea,
upset stomach,
dizziness,
tiredness, weakness,
headache,
body aches/pains, flushing and sweating (hot
flushes/hot flashes), or trouble sleeping may
occur. Changes in diet such as eating several
small meals or limiting physical activity may
help lessen the chance of
nausea and vomiting.
If any of these effects continue or worsen,
notify 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
immediately if any of these unlikely but serious
side effects occur: burning/painful/frequent
urination, numbness/tingling/swelling of the
hands or feet, pain/redness/swelling of the arms
or legs, bone/pelvis/hip
pain,
signs of infection (e.g.,
fever,
persistent
sore throat),
persistent cough, persistent
vaginal bleeding,
mental/mood changes (e.g.,
anxiety,
depression).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
rare but very serious side effects occur:
chest pain,
trouble breathing. A very serious allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may
include:
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.In
Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice
about side effects. You may report side effects
to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
TO CONTINUE READING PLEASE GO TO MEDICINENET |
