Skip the secondary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
| Do you want to meet other people with cancer? Join our What Now? community >> |
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the location trail if you do not want to read it as the next section.
This information is about the hormonal drug fulvestrant, which is also commonly called Faslodex®. It should ideally be read with our information on breast cancer or secondary breast cancer.
Faslodex is a type of hormonal therapy that is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women who have had their change of life (menopause).
Hormonal therapies interfere with the production or action of particular hormones in the body. Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers and help to control the activity of cells and organs.
There are several different types of hormonal therapy. Your doctor can discuss with you which is best for your situation.
Many breast cancers need supplies of the hormone oestrogen to grow. Some breast cancer cells contain proteins called oestrogen receptors. Cancers with oestrogen receptors are called 'oestrogen‑receptor positive' (ER +ve).
Faslodex is an anti-oestrogen drug, which may block the action of oestrogen on cancer cells and may cause some breast cancer tumours to shrink. It works by keeping oestrogen from binding to the receptors and also by reducing the number of oestrogen receptors on breast cancer cells. It may help when other treatment has failed. In clinical trials, Faslodex was found to be effective when tamoxifen no longer worked.
Faslodex is given as a regular injection (every four weeks) directly into the muscle of the buttock. It can be given by your GP or practice nurse at the surgery. If you are not able to visit the surgery, a district nurse can give you the injection at home. People may occasionally find the injection slightly uncomfortable and may notice an area of redness at the injection site afterwards.
Faslodex is used to treat women with oestrogen-receptor-positive secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. It is given to post-menopausal women who have been treated with a hormonal therapy (such as tamoxifen) but whose cancer has progressed. Faslodex is described as an oestrogen-receptor antagonist (sometimes called an anti-oestrogen).
Each person's reaction to any medication is different. Many people have very few side effects with Faslodex, while others may experience more. We have outlined the most common side effects, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you do notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed, please discuss any queries about your treatment and its side effects with your doctor or nurse, as they are in the best position to help and advise you.
Some people may have the following side effects to varying degrees:
Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea These side effects are rare but may occasionally happen. If they do occur they can usually be effectively treated, so let your doctor know. If you get diarrhoea, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
Hot flushes and sweats These are usually mild and may wear off after a period of time. Sometimes women find that avoiding or cutting down on tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol can reduce sweats. Recent research suggests that progesterone (a hormone drug) or some anti-depressants may be helpful in controlling this side effect. Some women find that complementary therapies help. Your GP may be able to give you details about obtaining these on the NHS.
If you are having troublesome hot flushes, do not hesitate to discuss these with your doctor.
Headaches Some people have complained of headaches while taking Faslodex, but this is not common. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Let your doctor know if you are getting headaches, as medication can be prescribed to help.
Joint pains/stiffness Some women have experienced pain and stiffness in their joints. Let your doctor know if these effects are troublesome. It may be helpful to take mild painkillers.
Skin rashes Some people have complained of mild skin rashes.
Vaginal bleeding Vaginal bleeding (usually in the first few weeks of treatment) has been reported. This is rare and has usually occurred after changing from existing hormonal therapy to treatment with Faslodex. If bleeding continues, tell your doctor or breast care nurse.
Injection-site reactions Injection-site reactions such as pain and inflammation can sometimes occur. Let your doctor know if this becomes troublesome.
Because Faslodex is given by injection into a muscle it should not be used in people with certain blood disorders or those receiving blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin.
Missing an injection by two days or so should not make a great difference, but it is important to remember that the injections are designed to last for four weeks, so you should have them as regularly as possible.
Length of treatment Your doctors will discuss the length of treatment that they feel is appropriate for your situation. Faslodex may be given for months or longer.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography.
Cancerbackup is a national charity and we rely on voluntary donations. To donate, please call 020 7696 9003 and tell us you have visited our website. Thank you.
