Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Fareston

Generic Name: toremifene (Pronunciation: tor EH mih feen)

• What is toremifene (Fareston)?
• What are the possible side effects of toremifene (Fareston)?
• What is the most important information I should know about toremifene (Fareston)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking toremifene (Fareston)?
• How should I take toremifene (Fareston)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fareston)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fareston)?
• What should I avoid while taking toremifene (Fareston)?
• What other drugs will affect toremifene (Fareston)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is toremifene (Fareston)?

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 not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of toremifene (Fareston)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using toremifene and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats, seizure (convulsions);
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, joint pain, confusion, and feeling tired or restless;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• vaginal bleeding or discharge;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• tremor; or
• loss of movement in any part of your body.

Less serious side effects may include:

• sweating, hot flashes;
• mild nausea, constipation;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• depressed mood;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• itching, skin discoloration; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about toremifene (Fareston)?

You should not use toremifene if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of Long QT syndrome, or an uncontrolled electrolyte imbalance (low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Before you take toremifene, tell your doctor if you have endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of cells lining the uterus), bone cancer, or if you have ever had a blood clot.

Taking toremifene may increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Stop using toremifene and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a serious heart rhythm disorder (severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats) or signs of high levels of calcium in your blood (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, joint pain, confusion, and feeling tired or restless).

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