Fulvestrant (Faslodex) — what it does and what to expect
Fulvestrant (brand name Faslodex) is a hormone therapy used for estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) advanced breast cancer that’s stopped responding to oral hormone pills. It works by binding the estrogen receptor and causing the receptor to be degraded, so cancer cells lose the signal that helps them grow. That’s why doctors call it a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD).
How fulvestrant is given
Fulvestrant is given as an intramuscular injection — usually into the buttock — by a nurse or trained clinician. The common schedule is 500 mg on day 0, day 14, day 28, then every 28 days after that. Some clinics offer home nursing for injections, but many patients get them at the oncology clinic. You shouldn’t try to inject it yourself unless a healthcare professional has trained you to do so.
The vial should be stored in the refrigerator (check the label) and brought to room temperature before administration. If a dose is missed, contact your clinic: they’ll advise whether to give it as soon as possible and how to adjust the next dose.
Side effects, monitoring, and safety tips
Common side effects are injection-site pain, nausea, fatigue, hot flashes, and sometimes constipation. Lab changes can include elevated liver enzymes, so clinics usually check liver function (LFTs) at baseline and periodically while you’re on treatment. Tell your team right away if you notice jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Fulvestrant is for women who are postmenopausal unless combined with ovarian suppression; it’s not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception if there’s any chance of pregnancy and stop breastfeeding during treatment. Discuss any other medicines you take — although fulvestrant is not a major CYP inducer, interactions can happen, especially with strong enzyme modulators.
Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur. If you get severe allergic symptoms (trouble breathing, swelling, rapid heartbeat) after an injection, seek emergency care.
How to make the treatment easier: arrive hydrated, wear loose clothes, and ask for a light snack if you feel faint after injections. Bring a list of current meds and supplements to every visit so the team can spot interactions.
Practical patient tips: keep a side-effect diary with dates and severity, note injection dates, and keep all lab records. If fatigue or nausea is a problem, your clinic can suggest anti-nausea meds, short-term steroids, or dose-timing changes to help you cope. If you’re combining fulvestrant with targeted drugs (like CDK4/6 inhibitors), expect closer bloodwork and more symptom checks.
If you have questions about the schedule, side effects, or how fulvestrant fits into your overall plan, ask your oncologist or nurse. They can explain why it’s the right choice and how they’ll watch for problems while you’re on it.
Exploring alternatives to Nolvadex, this article discusses effective treatments such as Fulvestrant, focusing on their unique mechanisms, advantages, and potential downsides. With insights into how these alternatives differ from traditional options, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse approaches available for advanced stage breast cancer management. By comparing key aspects of these treatments, we help clarify their potential roles in specific patient scenarios.
Read more
