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 other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking toremifene?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be
able to take this medication.
Toremifene is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that toremifene is known to be
harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not
take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Toremifene passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take toremifene?
Take toremifene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Toremifene is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Toremifene can be taken with or without food.
Toremifene should be taken at the same time each day whenever possible.
Store toremifene at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this product out
of the reach of children.
What happens if I miss a dose of toremifene?
Missing one dose is not likely to affect your treatment. Skip the missed dose and take only the
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
If you miss two or more doses in a row, contact your doctor.
Where can I get more information about toremifene?
Your pharmacist has information about toremifene written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of toremifene?
Stop taking toremifene and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and severe
stomach pain, which may be caused by hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood);
pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg (may indicate a
blood clot);
chest pain;
blurred vision; or
vaginal bleeding.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue
taking toremifene and talk to your doctor:
hot flashes;
sweating; or
vaginal discharge.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about toremifene?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots. You may not be
able to take this medication.
What should I avoid while taking toremifene?
Avoidance or limiting the use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol may help decrease hot flashes
and sweating associated with the use of toremifene.
What other drugs will affect toremifene?
Before taking toremifene, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin);
a thiazide diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide
(Diurigen, Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril,
Esidrix, Microzide, others), indapamide (Lozol), or metolazone (Diulo, Mykrox, Zaroxolyn); or
a seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Tegretol),
ethosuximide (Zarontin), or phenytoin (Dilantin).
Your may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with toremifene. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009