What is it and how is it used?
Faslodex contains the active substance fulvestrant, which belongs to the group of estrogen blockers. Estrogens, a type of female sex hormones, can in some cases be involved in the growth of breast cancer.
Faslodex is used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not use Faslodex
Take special care with Faslodex
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
Children
Faslodex is not indicated in children and adolescents under 18 years.
Using other medicines
Please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
In particular, you should tell your doctor if you are using anticoagulants (medicines to prevent blood clots).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You must not use Faslodex if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective contraception while being treated with Faslodex.
You must not breast-feed while on treatment with Faslodex.
Driving and using machines
Faslodex is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you feel tired after treatment do not drive or use machines .
Important information about some of the ingredients of Faslodex
This medicinal product contains 10% w/v ethanol (alcohol), i.e. up to 1000 mg per dose, equivalent to 20 ml beer or 8 ml wine per dose.
Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism.
To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease, or epilepsy.
How is it used?
The usual dose is 500 mg fulvestrant (two 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.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Faslodex can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
These side effects may occur with certain frequencies, which are defined as follows:
Very common side effects
Common side effects
Uncommon side effects
* Includes side effects for which the exact role of Faslodex cannot be assessed due to the underlying disease.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
How should it be stored?
Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C)
Keep the pre-filled syringe in the original package, in order to protect from light.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use Faslodex after the expiry date which is stated on the carton or syringe labels after the abbreviation EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Your health care professional will be responsible for the correct storage, use and disposal of Faslodex.
