Toremifene

U.S. Brand Names

Fareston®

Canadian Brand Names

Fareston®

Mexican Brand Names

Fareston

Pharmacologic Category

Antineoplastic Agent, Estrogen Receptor Antagonist; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to toremifene or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat breast cancer in females.

How does it work?

• Toremifene prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer cells. This decreases the spread of cancer.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• There may be a higher risk of endometrial cancer.

• If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Do not take St John's wort with this medicine. It may make this medicine less effective.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• For females, vaginal discharge.

• Endometrial cancer can rarely occur.

• Stroke and blood clots can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling.

• Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2008-01-08 16:39:15.0

Modified: 2008-01-25 13:06:14.0

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