Fulvestrant

Introduction To Fulvestrant

Fulvestrant is an estrogen blocker. It is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. It works by adjusting the level of estrogen and slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Fulvestrant is given as an injection into the muscles under the supervision of a doctor. It should be taken as doctor your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you.

The most common side effects of this medicine include injection site reaction, headache, vomiting, allergic reaction, and nausea. If these bother you, or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you ever had kidney or liver disease or had bleeding disorder or had any blood clotting medicine. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Uses of Fulvestrant

  • Breast cancer

Benefits of Fulvestrant

Breast cancer
Fulvestrant relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipple or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. It works by altering the production of those hormones in the body that are essential for the growth and spread of breast cancer. It may also interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on the cancer to stop its growth. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self- administered. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Side effects of Fulvestrant

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Celvestrant

  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Allergic reaction
  • Nausea
  • Injection site reaction
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Diarrhea

How to use Fulvestrant

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Fulvestrant works

Fulvestrant blocks the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells. This can lower or stop the growth of some breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

Quick tips

  • Fulvestrant is used for the treatment of hormone dependent breast cancer.
  • It should only be taken by women who have undergone menopause and cannot become pregnant.
  • It is given as a slow injection into the muscles (intramuscular) of your buttock.
  • Inform your doctor if you have any bleeding disorder, kidney or liver disease or if you are receiving any medicines to prevent blood clots.
  • Do not take Fulvestrant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Fulvestrant if I’m pregnant?

Fulvestrant is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingUNSAFE

Can I take Fulvestrant if I’m breastfeeding?

Fulvestrant is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Fulvestrant safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Fulvestrant. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingSAFE

Can I drive after taking Fulvestrant?

Fulvestrant does not usually affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Fulvestrant if I have/had kidney diseases?

Fulvestrant should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Fulvestrant may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Fulvestrant in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Fulvestrant if I have/had liver diseases?

Fulvestrant should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fulvestrant may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Fulvestrant and what is it used for?

Fulvestrant contains a medicine, Fulvestrant which is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause.

Q. How and in what dose should I use Fulvestrant?

Your doctor would advise you the exact dose of this medicine. It is given as a slow (1 to 2 minutes) intramuscular (deep into the muscle) injection in your buttocks. It is administered by a medical healthcare professional only.

Q. What are the common side effects of using Fulvestrant?

The common side effects associated with this medicine are headache, vomiting, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, low platelets count and back pain. If any of these side effects bother you, consult with your doctor.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

Disclaimer: The contents of this material are solely intended for informational purposes and do not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MediClap does not offer advice, endorse any specific prescription drug, pharmacy, or other information on the site. Furthermore, MediClap does not provide any warranty for the information presented. It is recommended that you seek medical advice prior to commencing, altering, or terminating any medical treatment.
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.