toremifene - oral, Fareston

GENERIC NAME: TOREMIFENE - ORAL (tor-EM-eh-feen)

BRAND NAME(S): Fareston

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Toremifene is used in postmenopausal women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer). It is usually used to treat cancer that needs estrogen, a female hormone, in order to grow (estrogen-receptor positive). Toremifene is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that blocks the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.Inform your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).
SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, or dizziness may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint/muscle pain or swelling, constipation, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), trouble walking/clumsiness, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, eye pain).Toremifene may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop changes in menstrual period, unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal/stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.Toremifene has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) blood clots in the lungs/legs, brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain/swelling in the groin/calf, pain in the chest/jaw/left arm, confusion, fainting, severe sudden headache, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345