fulvestrant (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Faslodex

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

injectable solution

  • 250mg/5mL

Advanced Breast Cancer

Also see Administration

Monotherapy

  • Indicated for hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative in postmenopausal women not previously treated with endocrine therapy
  • Indicated for HR-positive in postmenopausal women with disease progression following endocrine therapy
  • 500 mg IM on days 1, 15, 29, then once monthly thereafter

Combination therapy with palbociclib or abemaciclib

  • Indicated HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in women with disease progression after endocrine therapy
  • Fulvestrant 500 mg IM on days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter AND
  • Palbociclib 125 mg PO qDay for days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle OR
  • Abemaciclib 150 mg PO BID
  • Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Pre/perimenopausal women treated with the palbociclib/abemaciclib combination should be treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists according to current clinical practice standards

Combination with ribociclib

  • Indicated HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women in combination with ribociclib
  • Administer as initial endocrine based therapy or following disease progression on endocrine therapy
  • Fulvestrant 500 mg IM on days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter AND
  • Ribociclib 600 mg for days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle
  • Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Pre/perimenopausal women treated with the ribociclib combination should be treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists according to current clinical practice standards

Dosage Modifications

Hepatic impairment

  • Mild (Child-Pugh A): No dosage adjustment required
  • Moderate (Child-Pugh B): 250 mg IM on days 1, 15, 29, then once monthly thereafter
  • Severe (Child-Pugh C): Not studied

Renal impairment

  • Negligible amounts of fulvestrant are eliminated in urine
  • In clinical trials, fulvestrant concentrations in women with eCrCl ≥30 mL/min were similar to women with normal creatinine

Dosage Forms & Strengths

injectable solution

  • 50mg/mL

Precocious Puberty (Off-label)

Indicated in females for progressive precocious puberty associated with McCune-Albright syndrome

4 mg/kg IM qMonth  

Hepatic Impairment

  • Dose adjustment may be required, although no specific recommendations defined for children with hepatic impairment (in adults with Child-Pugh class B, the dose is decreased by 50%)
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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and fulvestrant

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

            All Interactions Sort By:
             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (1)

              • etrasimod

                etrasimod, fulvestrant. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of additive immune system effects with etrasimod has not been studied in combination with antineoplastic, immune-modulating, or noncorticosteroid immunosuppressive therapies. Avoid coadministration during and in the weeks following administration of etrasimod.

              Monitor Closely (1)

              • siponimod

                siponimod and fulvestrant both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution if coadministered because of additive immunosuppressive effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.

              Minor (2)

              • maitake

                maitake increases effects of fulvestrant by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Maitake mushroom has anti-tumor effects (animal/in vitro research).

              • taurine

                fulvestrant decreases levels of taurine by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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              Adverse Effects

              >10%

              Nausea (26%)

              Asthenia (23%)

              Pain (19%)

              Vasodilatation (18%)

              Pharyngitis (16%)

              HA (15%)

              Back pain (14%)

              Constipation (13%)

              Vomiting (13%)

              Abd pain (12%)

              Diarrhea (12%)

              Inj site pain (11%)

              1-10%

              Cough (10%)

              Anorexia (9%)

              Peripheral edema (9%)

              Chest pain (7%)

              Flu-like syndrome (7%)

              Rash (7%)

              Depression (6%)

              Fever (6%)

              UTI (6%)

              Anemia (5%)

              <1%

              Angioedema

              Leukopenia

              Myalgia

              Thrombosis

              Osteoporosis

              Postmarketing Reports

              Injection site reaction

              Thromboembolic phenomena

              Myalgia

              Vertigo

              Leukopenia

              Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema and urticaria

              Vaginal bleeding (mainly during the first 6 weeks after changing from existing hormonal therapy)

              Elevated bilirubin, gamma GT, hepatitis, and liver failure

              Combination Therapy with Palbociclib

              • Frequency Not Defined
                • Neutropenia
                • Leukopenia
                • Infections
                • Fatigue
                • Nausea
                • Anemia
                • Stomatitis
                • Diarrhea
                • Thrombocytopenia
                • Vomiting
                • Alopecia
                • Rash
                • Decreased appetite
                • Pyrexia
              • <10%
                • Asthenia (7.5%)
                • Aspartate aminotransferase increased (7.5%)
                • Dysgeusia (6.7%)
                • Epistaxis (6.7%)
                • Lacrimation increased (6.4%)
                • Dry skin (6.1%)
                • Alanine aminotransferase increased (5.8%)
                • Vision blurred (5.8%)
                • Dry eye (3.8%)
                • Febrile neutropenia (0.9%)
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              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Hypersensitivity to fulvestrant or any component of formulation

              Cautions

              Caution in bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia, therapeutic anticoagulation

              Systemic exposure was increased in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (see Dosage Modifications)

              Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception; see Pregnancy section

              Therapy can interfere with estradiol measurement by immunoassay, resulting in falsely elevated estradiol levels

              Injection site related events including sciatica, neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and peripheral neuropathy reported; caution should be taken while administering therapy at dorsogluteal injection site due to proximity of underlying sciatic nerve

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              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy

              Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, fulvestrant can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman

              In animal reproduction studies, administration of fulvestrant to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity at daily doses that are significantly less than the maximum recommended human dose

              Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus

              Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 year after the last dose

              Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential within 7 days prior to initiating fulvestrant

              Lactation

              Excretion in human milk unknown

              Detected in rat milk

              Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 year after the final dose

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

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              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Breast cancer: Competitively binds to estrogen receptors on tumors and other tissue targets, producing nuclear complex that decreases DNA synthesis and inhibits estrogen effects; no estrogen-receptor agonist activity; downregulates estrogen receptors and inhibits breast tumor growth

              Precocious puberty (off-label): Estrogen receptor antagonist

              Absorption

              Peak Plasma Time: 7 days

              Duration: Plasma levels detected for 1 month

              Distribution

              Protein Bound: 99%

              Vd: 3-5 L/kg

              Metabolism

              Via multiple hepatic pathways

              Excretion

              Half-Life: 40 days

              Excretion: Feces >90%; urine <1%

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              Administration

              IM Administration

              Also see Dosage Modifications

              Administer IM in buttocks slowly over 1-2 minutes; not to exceed 250 mg/5 mL per IM injection site

              Discard the empty single use syringe into an approved sharps collector in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policy

              Storage

              Store in refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F)

              Protect from light, store in the original carton until time of use

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              Images

              BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
              fulvestrant intramuscular
              -
              250 mg/5 mL solution
              fulvestrant intramuscular
              -
              250 mg/5 mL solution
              fulvestrant intramuscular
              -
              250 mg/5 mL solution
              fulvestrant intramuscular
              -
              250 mg/5 mL solution
              Faslodex intramuscular
              -
              250 mg/5 mL solution

              Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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              Patient Handout

              Patient Education
              fulvestrant intramuscular

              FULVESTRANT - INJECTION

              (ful-VES-trant)

              COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Faslodex

              USES: Fulvestrant is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells need the hormone estrogen in order to grow. Fulvestrant works by blocking the effect of estrogen, slowing tumor cell growth.

              HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using fulvestrant and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is given by slow injection into the buttock muscle by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses and then monthly. The dosage is based on your medical condition.

              SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, tiredness, headache, hot flashes, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, back/leg pain, bone/joint pain, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression), shortness of breath, cough that doesn't go away, burning/painful/frequent urination, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

              PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, bleeding problems, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using fulvestrant. Fulvestrant may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test within 7 days of starting this medication. Ask about reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication and for 1 year after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 1 year after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

              DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as estradiol levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

              OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

              NOTES: Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

              MISSED DOSE: It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

              STORAGE: Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

              Information last revised November 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

              IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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              Formulary

              FormularyPatient Discounts

              Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

              To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

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              • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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              • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
              • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

              The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

              Tier Description
              1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
              2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
              3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
              4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
              NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
              Code Definition
              PA Prior Authorization
              Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
              QL Quantity Limits
              Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
              ST Step Therapy
              Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
              OR Other Restrictions
              Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.