Fulvestrant

A to Z Drug Facts

Fulvestrant

	Actions
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(fool-VESS-trant)

Faslodex

Solution for injection

50 mg/mL

Class: Antiestrogen

Action Fulvestrant competitively binds to the estrogen receptor and downregulates the estrogen receptor protein in human breast cancer cells.

Indications Treatment of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy.

Contraindications Pregnancy; hypersensitivity to the drug or any component of the product.

Route/Dosage

Adults: IM 250 mg into buttock at 1-mo intervals.

Interactions

None well documented.

Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: Headache; dizziness; insomnia; paresthesia; depression; anxiety. DERMATOLOGIC: Rash; sweating. EENT: Pharyngitis. GI: Nausea; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; abdominal pain; anorexia. GU: Urinary tract infection. HEMATOLOGIC: Anemia. RESPIRATORY: Dyspnea; increased cough. OTHER: Back pain; hot flushes; bone pain; arthritis; asthenia; pain; transient pain and inflammation at injection site; vasodilation; pelvic pain; peripheral edema; chest pain; flu-like syndrome; fever; accidental injury.

Precautions

Pregnancy: Category D. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy not established.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

For IM administration only. Not for IV, SC, or ID administration.
Administer prescribed dose once monthly using prefilled syringe(s) and supplied safety needle(s).
Administer as single 5 mL injection or concurrent 2.5 mL injections into buttock.
Administer injection slowly.
Do not administer if cloudiness or particulate matter is noted.
Store prefilled syringes in refrigerator (36° to 46°C).

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note history of liver function impairment, bleeding diatheses, thrombocytopenia, or concurrent use of anticoagulants.
Ensure that patient has negative pregnancy test before starting therapy.
Monitor patient for GI, CNS, general body side effects, and injection site reactions. Inform health care provider if noted and significant.

Patient/Family Education

Explain name, dose, action, and potential side effects of drug.
Advise patient that medication will be prepared and administered by health care provider in a health care setting on a monthly basis.
Instruct patient to inform health care provider if any of the following symptoms occur: intolerable nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, hot flushes, injection site pain or inflammation.
Instruct patient to not take any prescription or otc medications or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
Instruct women to notify health care provider if they become pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Advise patient that follow-up visits and laboratory tests will be required to monitor therapy and to be sure to keep appointments.