Toremifene Citrate (Generic Name)

Other Names: Fareston

About this drug

Toremifene citrate is used to treat cancer. This drug is taken by mouth.

Possible side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry eyes, cataracts (rare)
  • Abnormal increase in blood calcium. If your calcium level is high, you may experience:
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lack of energy to do normal activities
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Increased thirst
  • Passing a greater amount of urine than usual
  • Confusion
  • Increased pain at the site of the tumor. You may have bone and muscle pain and redness in this area.
  • Menopause symptoms. Symptoms similar to menopause are fairly common:
  • Hot flashes
  • Sweating
  • Vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching
  • Blood clots. There is an increased risk of blood clots in leg veins and in the lungs. Symptoms of blood clots in the leg veins may include pain, redness, warmth, and/or swelling in the thigh, calf, or ankle areas. Symptoms of blood clots in the lungs may include chest pain, sharp pain when taking a breath, difficulty breathing, increased cough, coughing up blood or bloody spit, and/or increased weakness.
  • Increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). Regular gynecologic checkups are important. Irregular vaginal bleeding should be reported.
  • Mood changes. You may experience changes in your moods, including depression. Mood changes are common in patients with cancer.
  • Changes in liver enzymes. Liver enzymes will be monitored as needed.
  • Sexual and reproductive concerns. This drug may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children. This cannot be determined before your therapy. In women, menstrual bleeding may become irregular or stop while receiving this drug. However, even if you do not have a menstrual period, it is still possible to become pregnant.
  • This drug may have harmful effects on an unborn child. Effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment. Genetic counseling is available for you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. A genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus if an exposure to this medication during pregnancy has occurred.

Treating side effects

  • Regular gynecologic checkups are important. Keep a record of your menstrual bleeding. Report irregular vaginal bleeding and/or discharge. Ask your doctor or nurse to suggest ways to lessen the effects of hot flashes, sweating, and other menopausal symptoms.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medication to help prevent or lessen nausea.
  • Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.
  • Water-based vaginal lubricants can be used to lessen vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sexual relations.
  • Talk with your doctor or nurse if you feel you need help with your mood.
  • Regular eye checkups are important to detect early cataracts. Ask about using eye drops if you have dry eyes.

Food and drug interactions

There are no known interactions of toremifene citrate with any food. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications that you are currently taking.

When to call the doctor

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

  • Shortness of breath
  • Uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Pain, redness, warmth and/or swelling in your thigh, calf, or ankle
  • Cough
  • Difficulty catching your breath
  • Confusion

 

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

  • Nausea unrelieved by prescribed medication
  • Pain unrelieved by prescribed medication
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Muscle weakness
  • No bowel movement for three days or feeling uncomfortable
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Persistent loss of appetite or rapid weight loss (5 pounds in one week)
  • Extreme fatigue that interferes with normal activities
  • Vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching that is bothersome
  • Dry eyes
  • Vision changes
  • Increased thirst
  • Passing a greater amount of urine than usual

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