What is fulvestrant?
Fulvestrant blocks the actions of estrogen in the body. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.
Fulvestrant is used to treat some types of metastatic breast cancer that require estrogen to grow, in postmenopausal women whose cancer has progressed following treatment with other antiestrogen medication.
Fulvestrant may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I use fulvestrant?
Use fulvestrant exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Fulvestrant is administered by intramuscular (into a muscle) injection.
Your healthcare provider will probably administer the fulvestrant injection. If you are injecting fulvestrant at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject the medication. If you do not understand these directions, do not attempt to inject the medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Dispose of used needles and syringes in an appropriate puncture resistant container.
Your healthcare provider will store fulvestrant as directed by the manufacturer or give you detailed storage instructions if you are storing the medication at home.
Fulvestrant side effects
Stop using fulvestrant and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use fulvestrant and talk to your doctor if you experience
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headache;
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nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
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constipation or diarrhea;
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loss of appetite;
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swelling or water retention;
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weakness;
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hot flashes; or
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mild pain or swelling at the injection site.
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