Description
Indications
Fareston is a prescription medication used to treat metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It contains an active ingredient called toremifene citrate. It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue, which can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Toremifene citrate can be used to treat the symptoms of Breast Cancer. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in breast tissue, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Toremifene citrate is a nonsteroidal antiestrogenic agent that is similar in structure and activity to tamoxifen, another SERM. Fareston may be used alone or with other medications.
Use and Dosage
Fareston tablets are taken orally, with or without food, according to your doctor’s instructions. Usually, one tablet is taken daily, and the dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. For the best results, take the Fareston tablet at the same time each day.
The recommended dosage for Fareston is 60 mg taken orally once daily, as per the information gathered from the search results. However, the exact dosage may vary depending on the medical condition and the patient’s response to treatment, as determined by the treating physician.
To prevent side effects, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using the Fareston tablet unless your doctor advises it. Grapefruit can increase the likelihood of negative interactions with Fareston, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
As Fareston can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling the tablets or inhaling the dust.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Fareston (Toremifene Citrate):
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Vaginal discharge
Serious Side Effects of Fareston (Toremifene Citrate):
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Chest pain or pressure
- Clay-colored stools
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye pain
- Fainting
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Fluttering in your chest
- Hives
- Increased thirst or urination
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
- Pelvic pain
- Problems with vision or balance
- Seeing halos around lights
- Seizure
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Slow breathing (may stop)
- Slow heartrate
- Slurred speech
- Stomach pain (upper right side)
- Sudden dizziness
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on side of the body)
- Sweating
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Tiredness
- Tunnel vision
- Vomiting
- Weak pulse
- Weight loss
- Wheezing and
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Forms and Strength
Fareston (Toremifene Citrate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Fareston: Tablet
- 60 mg
Cautions
- QT interval prolongation: Fareston has been shown to cause QT interval prolongation, which can lead to an abnormal heartbeat. It should be used with caution in patients who have a history of QT prolongation or who take medications that can prolong the QT interval.
- Endometrial cancer: There is a possibility that Fareston can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Patients should be monitored for signs of this condition, including abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Hypercalcemia: Fareston can cause hypercalcemia, which is an elevated level of calcium in the blood. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of hypercalcemia, which include tiredness, weakness, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Liver function: Fareston can affect liver function, so liver function tests should be performed before starting treatment and periodically during treatment to monitor for any adverse effects.
- Visual disturbances: Fareston can cause visual disturbances such as cataracts, so patients should have ophthalmologic exams before starting treatment and periodically during treatment.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Fareston should not be used in pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. It may harm the fetus or cause birth defects.
- Thromboembolism: Serious and potentially fatal thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke, have been reported with Fareston. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of these events, and treatment should be promptly discontinued if they occur.
- Bone density: Fareston can cause a decrease in bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Patients with osteoporosis or who are at risk for fractures should be monitored closely while taking Fareston.
- Cardiovascular events: Fareston may increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and angina. Patients with a history of these events or who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be closely monitored while taking Fareston.
- Hepatic impairment: Fareston should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as it can affect liver function.
- Interactions with other medications: Fareston can interact with other medications, particularly those that are metabolized by the liver. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting treatment with Fareston.
- Geriatric use: Fareston has not been studied extensively in geriatric populations, so it should be used with caution in older patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is Fareston usually taken for?
The length of time that Fareston is taken for can vary depending on the individual and the nature of their condition. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment.
Can Fareston be used in men with breast cancer?
Yes, Fareston can be used to treat breast cancer in men, although it is more commonly used in postmenopausal women.
How long does it take for Fareston to start working?
The exact timeline for treatment with Fareston can vary depending on the specific type and stage of breast cancer.
Can Fareston be used in combination with other breast cancer treatments?
Yes, Fareston may be used in combination with other breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the specific case and recommendations of a healthcare professional.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4557/toremifene-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020497s009lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/fareston-drug.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5078/fareston-oral/details
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2cab8dd1-3a10-48e6-86ce-0e5275ed49e5
- https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal-therapy/fareston
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