An oestrogen antagonist used for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women in which oestrogens stimulate growth of the tumour. It is available as tablets on prescription only.
Side effects: include hot flushes, vaginal bleeding or discharge, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fluid retention, and chest or back pain. Vaginal bleeding or discharge or pelvic pain should be reported to a doctor promptly to exclude the possibility of cancer of the endometrium (womb lining).
Precautions: toremifene should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or by those who have severe liver disease, hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the endometrium, or a history of severe thromboembolic disease.
Interactions with other drugs:
Anticoagulants: toremifene increases the effects of warfarin and
nicoumalone (acenocoumarol).
Antiepileptic drugs: the effects of toremifene may be reduced by
carbamazepine, phenobarbitone
Thiazide diuretics: increase the risk of high concentrations of calcium in the blood, especially in women in whom the cancer has spread to the
bones.
Proprietary preparation: Fareston.
