Fulvestrant (Generic Name) 

Other Names: Faslodex®

About this drug

Fulvestrant is used to treat cancer. It is given by injection in your muscle and is called an “IM injection."

Possible side effects

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Hot flashes
  • Sore throat
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Redness and soreness at the injection site
  • Effects on an unborn child. This drug may have harmful effects on an unborn child. If you are pregnant, you cannot take this drug. Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment. Genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, talk with a genetic counselor. He or she can review the potential risks to the fetus.

Treating side effects

  • Vaginal lubricants can be used to lessen vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sexual relations.
  • If you are constipated, ask your doctor or nurse for medicines and diet changes that may help you move your bowels regularly.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine that is available to help prevent or lessen nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, or headache.

Other instructions

If you are to receive fulvestrant by IM injection at home, you will receive guidelines for storing and injecting the drug. Store the syringes of fulvestrant in the refrigerator — never freeze them.

Food and drug interactions

There are no known interactions of this drug with food. This drug may interact with other medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor’s advice.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Temperature of 100.5 F (38 C) or above
  • Chills
  • Uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
  • Vomiting more than 3 times in 1 day
  • Severe headache
  • Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash or itching

 

Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Lower belly pain or nausea that prescribed medicine doesn’t help
  • No bowel movement for 3 days or if you feel uncomfortable
  • Headache or back pain unrelieved by prescribed medicine
  • Throat pain or inability to eat or drink
  • Diarrhea of 5 or 6 stools in one day or diarrhea with weakness
  • Headache that prescribed medicine doesn’t help

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com