This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Fulvestrant is an anticancer medication that was approved for its medical use on 25th April 2002.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
Fulvestrant is a selective estrogen receptor down regulator or pure estrogen antagonist that stops the interaction of estrogen receptors with DNA and completely suppresses the estrogen receptor-responsive gene function, ultimately reducing the growth and spread of tumor cells. It is often administered in combination with other chemotherapy agents like Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Ademaciclib.
Uses of undefined
Fulvestrant Injection has been developed to treat advanced and metastatic breast cancer in men and menopausal women who have stopped responding to other treatments.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
Fulvestrant is available as a 5ml prefilled syringe in doses 50mg and 250mg. The recommended dosage is 500 mg as two 5ml injections on the 1st, 15th, and 29th days and once a month thereafter. For patients with liver problems, the recommended dose is 250mg. Your physician will administer this medicine intramuscularly into the buttocks.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
It is unknown whether Fulvestrant Injection is safe and effective in children and patients with severe liver problems. During the Fulvestrant Injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood count to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, heart problem, liver disease, or kidney problem.
Precautions
Fulvestrant Injection may cause fertility problems in men and women. This injection is not recommended for pregnant women due to its ability to cause fetal harm. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Pregnancy testing is recommended for women of reproductive potential within at least 7 days before starting Fulvestrant treatment. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during and for one year after the last dose of Fulvestrant. There is no sufficient information regarding the impact of Fulvestrant Injection on breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are a breastfeeding mother or planning to breastfeed your child.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Fulvestrant Injection are injection site pain, nausea, muscle, joint, and bone pain, headache, back pain, tiredness, pain in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, hot flashes, cough, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, shortness of breath, constipation, increased liver enzymes, and diarrhea. Fulvestrant Injection may also cause injection site-related nerve damage. Call your healthcare provider if you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness after taking this injection.
Word Of Advice
Fulvestrant can cause constipation; hence it is advised to consume plenty of water during the treatment. Eat a well-balanced diet. If you feel tired or weak, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Exercise caution while using this medicine if you have any bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications.
Frequently Asked Question
References
- Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., [Revised on Oct 2019] [Accessed on 26th Aug 2022], https://www.sagentpharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Fulvestrant-Injection_PI_April-2021.pdf
- KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives, 8th Edition, 2019, 330-353.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
