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HomeDrugsFulvestrant (Faslodex) Prices

fulvestrant

Generic Faslodex

Used for Breast Cancer

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) is injected into the muscles and used to treat certain types of breast cancer. After the initial starting doses, this medication is given monthly. It can be used by itself, or in combination with other anticancer medications. Fulvestrant (Faslodex) is a kind of hormone therapy and it has less serious side effects compared with chemotherapy.

Reviewed by:

Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOP

Connie Zheng, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 20, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Fulvestrant (Faslodex)?

What is Fulvestrant (Faslodex) used for?

Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, advanced or metastatic breast cancer

How Fulvestrant (Faslodex) works

Many breast cancers are hormone receptor (HR)-positive and need estrogen and progesterone (2 types of female sex hormones) to grow and spread.

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) is an estrogen receptor antagonist. It’s a type of hormone therapy that specifically blocks estrogen from binding to breast cancer cells. This medication is useful in treating breast cancers that have estrogen receptors (ERs). Without estrogen, these types of cancer cells won’t have the "fuel" they need to spread.

Are you looking for information on Zoladex (goserelin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFaslodex

Drug ClassAntiestrogen

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$1406.60(save 83.33%)

GoodRx discount

$234.50

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What are the side effects of Fulvestrant (Faslodex)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Joint pain (8-17%)
Injection site pain (12%)
Nausea (10-11%)
Hot flash (7-11%)
Fatigue (8-11%)

Please note: These side effects were reported in clinical trials by people who received fulvestrant (Faslodex) 500 mg monthly only. Your side effects can differ if you’re receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex) with other medications.

Other Side Effects

Headache
Back pain
Muscle pain
Bone pain
Pain in the hands and feet

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine or stools

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or tightness

chills

cloudy urine

cough

difficulty breathing

fainting

fever

hoarseness

irregular heartbeat, recurrent

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tingling of the hands or feet

trouble with swallowing

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

Anxiety

confusion

dizziness or lightheadedness

fast heartbeat

mood or mental changes

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves

pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

seizures

severe, sudden headache

slurred speech

stomach cramps

sudden loss of coordination

sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

tremor

vision changes

Incidence not known

Dark urine

flushing or redness of the skin

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hives or welts, itching, skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

nausea

stomach pain, continuing

upper right abdominal pain

vaginal bleeding

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

bladder pain

body aches or pain

bone pain

change in or loss of taste

constipation

decreased appetite

depression

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement

difficulty with moving

dry skin

dryness or soreness of the throat

feeling of warmth or heat

feeling sad or empty

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hair loss or thinning of hair

irritability

joint pain

lack or loss of appetite

lack or loss of strength

loss of interest or pleasure

muscle aches and pains

muscle stiffness

pain at the injection site

pain in the arms or legs

pelvic pain

shivering

stomach pain

sudden sweating

trouble concentrating

voice changes

weight loss

Less common

Dry eye

dry mouth

increased tearing

nervousness

swelling or redness in the joints

Incidence not known

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

sensation of spinning

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

Pros and cons of Fulvestrant (Faslodex)

Pros

Less serious side effects compared with chemotherapy

Monthly injections (after the first 3 doses)

Short injection times (1 to 2 minutes per injection)

Cons

Usually requires regular visits to the clinic or infusion center to receive your dose

Can cause pain at the injection sites

Not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Pharmacist tips for Fulvestrant (Faslodex)

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) is injected into the muscle and can cause bleeding at the injection site. Your risk of bleeds is higher if you're more prone to bleeding or taking blood thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin). Let your provider know if you notice bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away.

Each 500 mg dose of fulvestrant (Faslodex) is given as two 250 mg injections, one injected into each buttock (gluteal muscle).

Let your provider know if you feel nerve pain, numbness, or tingling at the injection sites.

If you’re a female who’s able to get pregnant, you're recommended to use birth control while receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex) and for 1 year after your last dose. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby if received by mothers during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about Fulvestrant (Faslodex)

How common are HR-positive breast cancers?

About 3 in 4 breast cancers are HR-positive and can be treated with hormone therapy, such as fulvestrant (Faslodex). Your provider will first test a sample of your tumor to see if your cancer is HR-positive.

How long do I need to take fulvestrant (Faslodex) for?

You should receive fulvestrant (Faslodex) treatment as instructed by your provider. This medication is usually given monthly after the first 3 doses, so it’s important to follow the schedule your provider gives you. How long you receive fulvestrant (Faslodex) therapy depends on several factors, including how well the medication is working to treat your cancer and how well you tolerate it. Don’t stop receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex) without first discussing with your provider.

Is fulvestrant (Faslodex) safe if I have liver problems?

Let your provider know if you have problems with your liver, because you’ll need to be monitored more closely. If you have liver problems, your body might have a harder time breaking down this medication. This can cause fulvestrant (Faslodex) to build up in your body and raise your risk for more side effects. Depending on how serious your liver problems are, you might need to take the medication at a lower dose, or you might not be able to receive fulvestrant (Faslodex) entirely.

Is fulvestrant (Faslodex) safe in pregnancy?

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) isn’t recommended during pregnancy. While it hasn't been well-studied in human pregnancy, animal studies show that it can cause harm to your unborn baby. This medication shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, unless your provider thinks the benefit is greater than the risk for both you and your unborn baby. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex).

Is fulvestrant (Faslodex) safe while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding isn’t recommended if you’re receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex). We don’t know if the medication can pass into human breast milk, but there’s a risk of serious harm to nursing infants if it does. Because of this risk, you shouldn’t breastfeed during fulvestrant (Faslodex) treatment and for 1 year after your last dose. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about breastfeeding or other ways to feed your baby while receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex).

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What are the risks and warnings for Fulvestrant (Faslodex)?

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Bleeding

Risk factors: Bleeding problems | Low platelet counts | Taking blood thinner medications

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) is given as an injection into the muscle, which can cause bleeding. Your risk for bleeding might be higher if you have a history of bleeding problems, low platelet counts, or are taking blood thinner medications. Let your provider know as soon as possible if you notice bleeding or bruising at the injection site that doesn’t stop or go away.

Injection site reaction

You can experience pain, nerve pain, numbness, or tingling at the site of fulvestrant (Faslodex) injection. Tell your provider if this is bothersome for you.

Possible harm to unborn baby

Based on animal studies, fulvestrant (Faslodex) can cause harm to unborn babies if used by mothers during pregnancy. If you’re a female who’s able to get pregnant, your provider might ask you to take a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant before you start the medication. In addition, you should use birth control during fulvestrant (Faslodex) treatment and continue to do so for one year after your last dose. Let your provider know right away if you or your partner become pregnant during this time.

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Fulvestrant (Faslodex)

The typical starting dose is 500 mg injected into muscles of the buttocks every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses (Days 1, 15, and 29). After that, you’ll continue with a maintenance dose of 500 mg monthly.

Depending on your condition, you might be receiving fulvestrant (Faslodex) along with other medications to treat your cancer.

Interactions between Fulvestrant (Faslodex) and other drugs

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fulvestrant (Faslodex). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Fluoroestradiol F 18

How much does Fulvestrant (Faslodex) cost?

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Faslodex (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$1938.30

Fulvestrant (Faslodex) (generic)

GoodRx lowest price

$234.50

(save 83.33%)

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What are alternatives to Fulvestrant (Faslodex)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fulvestrant (Faslodex). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Fulvestrant (Faslodex)

Used for:

Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, advanced or metastatic breast cancer

$234.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Used for:

Metastatic HR+ breast cancer
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk

$45.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Anastrozole (Arimidex)

Used for:

Early stage HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Advanced or metastatic HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women
Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women that's getting worse after treatment with tamoxifen

$9.74 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices