|
Table 17-5. Agents Commonly Used for Hormonal Management of Metastatic Breast Cancer. |
|
Drug |
Action |
Dose, Route, Frequency |
Major Side Effects |
|
Tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex) |
Selective estrogen receptor modulator |
20 mg by mouth daily |
Hot flushes, uterine bleeding, thrombophlebitis, rash |
|
Fulvestrant (Faslodex) |
Steroidal estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist |
250 mg intramuscularly monthly |
Gastrointestinal upset, headache, back pain, hot flushes, pharyngitis |
|
Toremifene citrate (Fareston) |
Selective estrogen receptor modulator |
40 mg by mouth daily |
Hot flushes, sweating, nausea, vaginal discharge, dry eyes, dizziness |
|
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) |
Estrogen |
5 mg by mouth three times daily |
Fluid retention, uterine bleeding, thrombophlebitis, nausea |
|
Megestrol acetate (Megace) |
Progestin |
40 mg by mouth four times daily |
Fluid retention |
|
Letrozole (Femara) |
Aromatase inhibitor |
2.5 mg by mouth daily |
Hot flushes, arthralgia/arthritis, myalgia |
|
Anastrozole (Arimidex) |
Aromatase inhibitor |
1 mg by mouth daily |
Hot flushes, skin rashes, nausea and vomiting |
