fulvestrant
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about FASLODEX. It does not contain all the information that is known about FASLODEX.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor will have weighed the risks of you taking FASLODEX against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What FASLODEX is for
FASLODEX is used to treat hormone receptor positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in women who have been through menopause and have received prior treatment with tamoxifen.
FASLODEX stops some of the actions of oestrogen within the body. Oestrogen is a female sex hormone that may help cancer cells grow in women with breast cancer.
FASLODEX should only be given to women.
FASLODEX is not recommended for use in men or children.
FASLODEX does not kill cancer cells, however it stops or slows their growth.
Your doctor will have explained why you are being treated with FASLODEX and will determine what dose to give you.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use. Ask your doctor if you want more information.
FASLODEX is not addictive.
Before you are given FASLODEX
When you must not use it
Do not use FASLODEX if you have any allergies to the active ingredient fulvestrant, or any of the other ingredients used in FASLODEX.
Do not use FASLODEX if you have not reached menopause.
We do not have information on its use in women before menopause.
Do not use FASLODEX if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is not known if it is safe for you to be given it while you are pregnant. It may affect your baby if you are given it at any time during pregnancy.
Do not use FASLODEX if you are breastfeeding.
FASLODEX should not be given to children.
There is no information on its use in children.
FASLODEX should not be given to men.
There is no information on its use in men.
FASLODEX injection should only be used if the solution is clear, the package is undamaged and the use by (expiry) date marked on the pack has not been passed.
Before you are given it
You must tell your doctor if:
1. you have any allergies to
any medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
If you have an allergic reaction, you may get a skin rash, swelling of the extremities, hayfever, difficulty breathing or feel faint.
2. you have any of these medical conditions
liver problems
kidney problems
bleeding disorders
a low blood platelet count
It may not be safe for you to be given FASLODEX if you have any of these conditions.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including:
tamoxifen or any medicine which contains oestrogen (female sex hormone). These medicines may reduce the effect of FASLODEX
other medicines used to treat cancer
medicines that you buy at the chemist, supermarket or health food shop.
These medicines may affect the way FASLODEX works.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell them before you are given FASLODEX.
How FASLODEX is given
The usual dose is 500 mg fulvestrant (two (2) x 250 mg/5 ml injections) given once a month with an additional 500 mg dose given 2 weeks after the initial dose.
Your doctor or nurse will give you FASLODEX as a slow intramuscular injection, one into each of your buttocks
Overdose
The doctor or nurse giving you FASLODEX will be experienced in its use, so it is extremely unlikely that you will be given too much.
While you are using it
Things you must do
Be sure to keep all your appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you have been given FASLODEX.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you have been given FASLODEX.
If you go into hospital, please let the medical staff know that you are being treated with FASLODEX.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how FASLODEX affects you.
Some patients may occasionally feel weak, tired or sleepy.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking FASLODEX.
FASLODEX helps most people with breast cancer, but it may have unwanted side-effects in some people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
pain or inflammation at the injection site
hot flushes
headache
weakness, tiredness, sleepiness
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
loss of appetite
skin rash
urinary tract infections
hypersensitivity, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat and hives/welts
joint or muscle pain.
These are all possible side effects of FASLODEX.
FASLODEX may be associated with changes in your blood, urine or liver. Your doctor may want to perform tests from time to time to check on your progress and detect any unwanted side effects.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Some people may get other side effects while being treated with FASLODEX.
After using it
Storage
FASLODEX should be stored in a fridge (2°C - 8°C) until ready for use. Your doctor or pharmacist will usually store the medicine for you.
Disposal
Your doctor or pharmacist will dispose of any needles, syringes and FASLODEX that may be left over.
Product description
What FASLODEX looks like
FASLODEX is a clear, colourless to yellow viscous liquid for injection. Each pack contains two (2) x 5mL pre-filled syringes.
Ingredients
Each FASLODEX syringe contains 250mg/5mL of the active ingredient fulvestrant
plus
ethanol
benzyl alcohol
benzyl benzoate
castor oil
