Fareston

The active ingredient in Fareston is toremifene citrate, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Some types of breast cancer need the hormone estrogen to grow, and are known as hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Fareston works on HR+ breast cancer by preventing estrogen from acting on the breast tissue. By suppressing estrogen, cancer cells are denied the fuel they require to survive, preventing breast cancer from growing and spreading.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Fareston. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Fareston:

• Take your medication at the same time every day, with or without food.
• You will require frequent medical examinations.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Fareston, resulting in undesirable side effects. Avoid grapefruit products while taking this medication.
• Consult your doctor or chemist before using any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal preparations. Avoid using any herbal supplements containing St. John's Wort.

Some mild and common side effects of Fareston seen in clinical trials include:

• Hot flashes.
• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Dry eyes.
• Cataracts.
• Changes in vision or blurred vision.
• Dizziness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Fareston. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Abnormal cardiac rhythm symptoms include feeling your heartbeat, weakness, blurred vision, and lightheadedness.
• Uterine cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and pain or pressure in the area below your belly button (pelvis).
• Blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) can cause arm or leg pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.
• Liver problems with symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Fareston. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Fareston, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• An uncontrolled electrolyte imbalance (low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
• High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia).
• Endometrial hyperplasia (enlargement of the uterine lining cells).
• Long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).
• Liver problems.
• Bone cancer.
• History of blood clots.

Boxed Warning

This medicine has the potential to lengthen the QT interval in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in serious cardiac rhythm disorders such as Torsade de pointes, fainting, seizures, or even death. It should not be taken in patients with existing QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium levels, or in combination with other QT-prolonging medicines or powerful CYP3A4 inhibitors.

• Heart rhythm issues (long QT syndrome).
• Low potassium.
• Low magnesium.

Fareston (toremifene) does not work instantly; it typically takes many weeks to months to observe its full effect, as it is used to treat metastatic breast cancer by blocking estrogen's effect on tumor growth. Some patients may notice benefits, such as slower cancer growth, within the first few weeks, but doctors normally evaluate success after several months of constant treatment.

When Fareston is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Thiazide diuretics such as chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, or indapamide.
• Seizure medications like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin.
• Medications that can cause QT prolongation, such as haloperidol, thioridazine, amitriptyline, or venlafaxine.
• Antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, or dofetilide.
• Antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, or levofloxacin.
• Ondansetron
• Granisetron.
• Rifampin.
• Ketoconazole.
• Tamoxifen.
• Dexamethasone.
• Warfarin.

Fareston is available in the following strengths and dosage forms: 60 mg tablet.

The normal dose is 60 mg orally once per day.

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it right away. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing plan. Do not duplicate the doses.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

ProStrakan, Inc. is the company that manufactures Fareston.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Fareston.

You should not discontinue using Fareston (toremifene) on your own. Because it is indicated for metastatic breast cancer, abruptly quitting it without medical counsel may impair your cancer treatment. If you are having adverse effects or have concerns, your oncologist may decide to safely discontinue, modify, or switch your treatment plan. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes.

Fareston should only be used by women who are no longer able to become pregnant. Fareston can harm an unborn child. Do not use if you are pregnant. If you haven't gone through menopause, use an effective form of nonhormonal birth control such as a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.. Inform your doctor if you suspect you are pregnant.

It is not known if Fareston is found in breast milk, and it is only indicated for use in postmenopausal women.