Fareston
Generic Name: toremifene (tor EH mih feen)
Brand Names: Fareston
What is Fareston (toremifene)?
Toremifene blocks estrogen from reaching cancer cells. Certain types of breast cancer require
estrogen to grow.
Toremifene is used to slow the growth of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread from
the original tumor). Unlike chemotherapy, toremifene does not actually destroy cancer cells.
Toremifene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Fareston (toremifene)?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be
able to take this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
Fareston (toremifene)?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be
able to take this medication.
Toremifene is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that toremifene is known to be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Toremifene passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Fareston (toremifene)?
Take toremifene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Toremifene is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Toremifene can be taken with or without food.
Toremifene should be taken at the same time each day whenever possible.
Store toremifene at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this product out
of the reach of children.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missing one dose is not likely to affect your treatment. Skip the missed dose and take only the
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
If you miss two or more doses in a row, contact your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of toremifene is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or a poison
control center for advice if you suspect that an overdose has been taken.
Symptoms of a toremifene overdose may include hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and
vaginal bleeding or discharge.
What should I avoid while taking Fareston (toremifene)?
Avoidance or limiting the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol may help decrease hot flashes
and sweating associated with the use of toremifene.
Fareston (toremifene) side effects
Stop taking toremifene and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and severe
stomach pain, which may be caused by hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood);
-
pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg (may indicate a
blood clot);
-
chest pain;
-
blurred vision; or
-
vaginal bleeding.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue
taking toremifene and talk to your doctor:
-
hot flashes;
-
sweating; or
-
vaginal discharge.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Fareston (toremifene)?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
-
an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
a thiazide diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide
(Diurigen, Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril,
Esidrix, Microzide, others), indapamide (Lozol), or metolazone (Diulo, Mykrox, Zaroxolyn); or
-
a seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol),
ethosuximide (Zarontin), or phenytoin (Dilantin).
Your may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with toremifene. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about toremifene written for health professionals that
you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Toremifene is available with a prescription under the brand name Fareston. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision Date: 4/4/05 9:52:30 AM.
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