What is Faslodex used for?
FASLODEX is used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has spread after treatment with antiestrogens, primarily tamoxifen. Postmenopausal women are women who have gone through the "change of life", and are no longer having menstrual cycles.
How does Faslodex work?
Many breast cancer tumors have hormone receptors, which are stimulated by estrogen and cause the tumors to grow. Faslodex and Tamoxifen are antiestrogens, which may block the action of estrogen on cancer cells, and may cause some breast cancer tumors to shrink.
Who should not use Faslodex?
Do not use Faslodex if you:
have not been treated with Tamoxifen or another antiestrogen medicine first
are pregnant. Faslodex may cause birth defects or miscarriage
are allergic to Faslodex or to any of the ingredients in Faslodex
What should I tell my health care provider?
Tell your health care provider if you:
are still having menstrual periods
are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
have or had liver problems
bleed easily
are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
have a low level of platelets in your blood
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Faslodex works or Faslodex may affect how your other medicines work.
What are some possible side effects of Faslodex? (This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Faslodex. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Side effects of Faslodex include:
nausea
weakness
pain
hot flashes
sore throat
bone pain
headache
shortness of breath
back pain
vomiting
constipation
diarrhea
stomach pain
pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
cough
pelvic pain
loss of appetite
swelling of the extremities (arms and legs)
rash
chest pain
flu symptoms
dizziness
trouble sleeping
fever
increased skin sensations (including numbness, tingling, burning, prickling)
urinary tract infection
depression
anxiety
sweating
For more detailed information about Faslodex, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.
Posted: 11/22/02
Updated: 12/29/04
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