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Fareston Information

Fareston (toremifene citrate) tablets are used for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose tumours are estrogen-receptor positive (ER-positive) or estrogen-receptor unknown. Toremifene is an estrogen agonist/antagonist, also known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast cancer cells. Many breast cancers are estrogen-sensitive, meaning estrogen can fuel their growth. By blocking estrogen receptors, Fareston helps to slow or stop the development of these cancer cells. While it acts as an anti-estrogen in breast tissue, it may have estrogen-like effects in other parts of the body, such as bone. This leads to reduced breast cancer cell growth and progression. Fareston delivers the active substance toremifene, which targets explicitly estrogen receptors, helping to manage advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Fareston Side Effects

The most common side effects of Fareston may include hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, vaginal discharge, constipation, loss of appetite, skin discoloration, back pain, dizziness, and edema (swelling). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Blood clots (thromboembolic events): severe pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, sudden partial or complete loss of vision.
• Bloody diarrhea
• Chest pain
• Endometrial changes, including hyperplasia, polyps, and cancer: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge (contact your doctor even if it's spotting)
• Eye problems: blurred vision, changes in vision, cataracts
• Hypercalcemia: increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, or fatigue
• Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, pain on the right side of your stomach area
• Prolongation of the QT interval (a heart rhythm problem): fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Fareston Precautions

Do not use Fareston if you are allergic to toremifene or other ingredients in this medication. Fareston is not for use in premenopausal women. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), a history of stroke or mini-stroke, liver disease, heart problems (especially a history of prolonged QT interval or irregular heartbeats), low potassium or magnesium levels, or uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Fareston and other medications, such as drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants), CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin), and warfarin (an anticoagulant, as Fareston can increase its effect and the risk of bleeding).

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Fareston. Fareston is not for use in pregnant women, as it can cause fetal harm. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, advise the patient of the potential hazard to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Fareston. It is unknown if toremifene passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using this medication due to the potential for severe adverse reactions in breastfed infants. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor. The safety and effectiveness of Fareston in children have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Fareston comes as a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it into pieces. You can take Fareston with or without food. The recommended dose is one 60-mg tablet taken once daily. Take Fareston at the same time(s) each day to help you remember. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and calcium levels and regular gynecological examinations (including endometrial biopsies if indicated) to monitor for endometrial changes. Your doctor may also monitor your heart rhythm with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Continue taking Fareston as directed by your doctor. This medication is typically a long-term treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Store Fareston at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Fareston?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Fareston.