Fulvestrant
About
Fulvestrant belongs to the class of estrogen blockers used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally.
Fulvestrant contains Fulvestrant, which works by inhibiting some of the actions of estrogen (female sex hormone which may help cancer cells grow in women with breast cancer) and reducing the amount that is in the body. Thus, it helps in reducing breast cancer tumour growth.
Fulvestrant will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, Fulvestrant may cause certain common side effects such as injection site reactions like pain and/or inflammation, weakness, nausea, tiredness, headache or joint and musculoskeletal pain. Most of these side effects of Fulvestrant do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Fulvestrant or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Fulvestrant is not recommended for pregnant women as it may harm an unborn baby. Fulvestrant is contraindicated for use during lactation. Avoid alcohol consumption while receiving Fulvestrant. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel tired or weak after receiving Fulvestrant.
Uses of Fulvestrant
Medicinal Benefits
Fulvestrant contains Fulvestrant, used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Additionally, Fulvestrant may be used in combination with palbociclib to treat women with a type of breast cancer called hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer that is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fulvestrant
- Injection site reactions such as inflammation or pain
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Joint and musculoskeletal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Fulvestrant or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Fulvestrant is not recommended for pregnant women as it may harm an unborn baby. Using effective contraception while being treated with Fulvestrant and for two years after the last dose is advised. Fulvestrant is contraindicated for use during lactation. Avoid alcohol consumption while receiving Fulvestrant. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel tired or weak after receiving Fulvestrant.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: If you are taking blood thinners, other anti-cancer medicines, tamoxifen or any medicine containing oestrogen (female sex hormone), inform your doctor.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have osteoporosis (loss of bone density), previous problems with blood clots, bleeding disorders or low numbers of platelets (which help blood clotting), and liver or kidney problems, inform your doctor before receiving Fulvestrant.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while receiving this medicine. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeFulvestrant is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. You are advised to use effective contraception while being treated with Fulvestrant and for two years after your last dose.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFulvestrant is contraindicated for use during lactation, or you are recommended to avoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Fulvestrant.
Driving
safe if prescribedFulvestrant usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel tired or weak after receiving Fulvestrant.
Liver
cautionFulvestrant is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems. Therefore, if you have liver problems, inform your doctor before receiving Fulvestrant.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before receiving Fulvestrant.
Children
unsafeFulvestrant is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid fried and processed foods.
- Include fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates that are high in sugars.
- Replace animal proteins (like eggs, fish, and meat) with vegetable protein sources (nuts, seeds, and beans).
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen the symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight and do moderate exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the cells grow abnormally. The tumor cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size, or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Fulvestrant contains Fulvestrant which works by inhibiting some of the actions of estrogen (female sex hormone) and reducing the amount that is in the body. Thus, it helps in reducing breast cancer tumour growth.
Fulvestrant is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems. Therefore, if you have any liver problems, inform your doctor before receiving Fulvestrant.
Fulvestrant may cause weakness or tiredness as a common side effect. However, if weakness persists or worsens, please consult your doctor.
