Toremifene for breast cancer

About toremifene

Treatment options for women with breast cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Often a combination of two or more of these treatments is used. Toremifene is a hormone treatment.

Some breast cancers need the female hormone oestrogen to grow. The cells of these cancers have receptors on their surface that oestrogen can attach to and are called 'hormone receptor-positive' cancers. Toremifene works by blocking the receptors and this prevents oestrogen from reaching the cancer cells. This helps to control the cancer. It is prescribed for women with breast cancer where the cancer cells have also spread to another part of the body, such as the lungs, liver or bones. This sort of breast cancer is referred to as metastatic breast cancer, or secondary breast cancer.

Before taking toremifene

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking toremifene it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are still having menstrual periods. If so, you should not take toremifene.

• If you have had a stroke, a blood clot in your lungs, or deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

• If you have a heart condition, or a heart rate or rhythm problem.

• If you have been told the lining of your womb has become thickened, a condition called endometrial hyperplasia.

• If you have problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take toremifene

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about toremifene and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take one 60 mg tablet each day, exactly as your doctor tells you to.

• You may take toremifene at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day. This will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

• You can take toremifene tablets before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. This is particularly important if you also have bone cancer, as you will need to have regular blood tests when you start this treatment.

• If you are having an operation, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking toremifene.

• If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines.

Can toremifene cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with toremifene. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store toremifene

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines