Topic Contents

Fulvestrant

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
fulvestrant	Faslodex

Fulvestrant is available as an intramuscular (IM) injection.

How It Works

Fulvestrant is called an antiestrogen medicine. This means that it blocks the effect of estrogen in the body. It is only used for postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.

Why It Is Used

Fulvestrant is used to treat estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women when other hormonal therapies, such as tamoxifen, have stopped working.

How Well It Works

Fulvestrant is as effective as aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole (Arimidex), in the treatment of women for metastatic breast cancer when other hormonal therapies, such as tamoxifen, have stopped working.¹ It only works for postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.

Side Effects

Most women do not have problems with side effects while taking fulvestrant. When side effects happen, they are typically mild and may include:

Nausea or vomiting.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Abdominal (belly) pain.
Headache.
Back pain.
Hot flashes.
Sore throat.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Fulvestrant should be given only under the supervision of a medical oncologist. It is approved for use after menopause.

Do not take this medicine if you are or may be pregnant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

Abramowicz M (2005). Drugs for breast cancer. Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 3(29): 1–6.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
Last Revised	August 11, 2011

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Last Revised: August 11, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology

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