Faslodex

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Faslodex 250 mg solution for injection.

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

One pre-filled syringe contains 250 mg fulvestrant in 5 ml solution.

Excipients with known effect (per 5 ml)
Ethanol (96%, 500 mg)
Benzyl alcohol (500 mg)
Benzyl benzoate (750 mg)

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Solution for injection.

Clear, colourless to yellow, viscous solution.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Faslodex is indicated:
 as monotherapy for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive, locally advanced or metastatic 

breast cancer in postmenopausal women: 
- not previously treated with endocrine therapy, or
- with disease relapse on or after adjuvant antiestrogen therapy, or disease progression on 

antiestrogen therapy.
 in combination with palbociclib for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human 

epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast 
cancer in women who have received prior endocrine therapy (see section 5.1).

In pre- or perimenopausal women, the combination treatment with palbociclib should be combined 
with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology
Adult females (including Elderly)
The recommended dose is 500 mg at intervals of one month, with an additional 500 mg dose given 
two weeks after the initial dose.

When Faslodex is used in combination with palbociclib, please also refer to the Summary of Product
Characteristics of palbociclib.

Prior to the start of treatment with the combination of Faslodex plus palbociclib, and throughout its 
duration, pre/perimenopausal women should be treated with LHRH agonists according to local clinical 
practice.



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Special populations
Renal impairment
No dose adjustments are recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine 
clearance 30 ml/min). Safety and efficacy have not been evaluated in patients with severe renal 
impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), and, therefore, caution is recommended in these 
patients (see section 4.4).

Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustments are recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. 
However, as fulvestrant exposure may be increased, Faslodex should be used with caution in these 
patients. There are no data in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.2).

Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Faslodex in children from birth to 18 years of age have not been 
established. Currently available data are described in sections 5.1 and 5.2, but no recommendation on a 
posology can be made.

Method of administration
Faslodex should be administered as two consecutive 5 ml injections by slow intramuscular injection 
(1-2 minutes/injection), one in each buttock (gluteal area).

Caution should be taken if injecting Faslodex at the dorsogluteal site due to the proximity of the 
underlying sciatic nerve.

For detailed instructions for administration, see section 6.6.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Pregnancy and lactation (see section 4.6).
Severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Faslodex should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (see 
sections 4.2, 4.3 and 5.2).

Faslodex should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 
less than 30 ml/min). 

Due to the intramuscular route of administration, Faslodex should be used with caution if treating 
patients with bleeding diatheses, thrombocytopenia or those taking anticoagulant treatment.

Thromboembolic events are commonly observed in women with advanced breast cancer and have 
been observed in clinical studies with Faslodex (see section 4.8). This should be taken into 
consideration when prescribing Faslodex to patients at risk.

Injection site related events including sciatica, neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and peripheral neuropathy 
have been reported with Faslodex injection. Caution should be taken while administering Faslodex at 
the dorsogluteal injection site due to the proximity of the underlying sciatic nerve (see sections 4.2 and 
4.8).

There are no long-term data on the effect of fulvestrant on bone. Due to the mechanism of action of 
fulvestrant, there is a potential risk of osteoporosis.



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The efficacy and safety of Faslodex (either as monotherapy or in combination with palbociclib) have 
not been studied in patients with critical visceral disease.

When Faslodex is combined with palbociclib, please also refer to the Summary of Product 
Characteristics of palbociclib.

Interference with estradiol antibody assays
Due to the structural similarity of fulvestrant and estradiol, fulvestrant may interfere with antibody
based-estradiol assays and may result in falsely increased levels of estradiol.

Ethanol
Faslodex contains 10% w/v ethanol (alcohol) as an excipient, i.e. up to 500 mg per injection, 
equivalent to 10 ml beer or 4 ml wine. This may be harmful for those suffering from alcoholism and 
should be taken into account in high risk groups such as patients with liver disease and epilepsy.

Benzyl alcohol
Faslodex contains benzyl alcohol as an excipient which may cause allergic reactions.

Paediatric population
Faslodex is not recommended for use in children and adolescents as safety and efficacy have not been 
established in this group of patients (see section 5.1).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

A clinical interaction study with midazolam (substrate of CYP3A4) demonstrated that fulvestrant does 
not inhibit CYP3A4. Clinical interaction studies with rifampicin (inducer of CYP3A4) and 
ketoconazole (inhibitor of CYP3A4) showed no clinically relevant change in fulvestrant clearance. 
Dose adjustment is therefore not necessary in patients who are receiving fulvestrant and CYP3A4 
inhibitors or inducers concomitantly.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of childbearing potential
Patients of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment with Faslodex
and for 2 years after the last dose.

Pregnancy
Faslodex is contraindicated in pregnancy (see section 4.3). Fulvestrant has been shown to cross the 
placenta after single intramuscular doses in rat and rabbit. Studies in animals have shown reproductive 
toxicity including an increased incidence of foetal abnormalities and deaths (see section 5.3). If 
pregnancy occurs while taking Faslodex, the patient must be informed of the potential hazard to the 
foetus and potential risk for loss of pregnancy.

Breast-feeding
Breast-feeding must be discontinued during treatment with Faslodex. Fulvestrant is excreted in milk in 
lactating rats. It is not known whether fulvestrant is excreted in human milk. Considering the potential 
for serious adverse reactions due to fulvestrant in breast-fed infants, use during lactation is 
contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Fertility
The effects of Faslodex on fertility in humans has not been studied.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Faslodex has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. However, since
asthenia has been reported very commonly with Faslodex, caution should be observed by those 
patients who experience this adverse reaction when driving or operating machinery.



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4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile
Monotherapy
This section provides information based on all adverse reactions from clinical studies, post-marketing 
studies or spontaneous reports. In the pooled dataset of fulvestrant monotherapy, the most frequently 
reported adverse reactions were injection site reactions, asthenia, nausea, and increased hepatic 
enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP).

In Table 1, the following frequency categories for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were calculated 
based on the Faslodex 500 mg treatment group in pooled safety analyses of studies that compared 
Faslodex 500 mg with Faslodex 250 mg [CONFIRM (Study D6997C00002), FINDER 1 (Study 
D6997C00004), FINDER 2 (Study D6997C00006), and NEWEST (Study D6997C00003) studies], or 
from FALCON (Study D699BC00001) alone that compared Faslodex 500 mg with anastrozole 1 mg. 
Where frequencies differ between the pooled safety analysis and FALCON, the highest frequency is 
presented. The frequencies in Table 1 were based on all reported adverse drug reactions, regardless of 
the investigator assessment of causality. The median duration of fulvestrant 500 mg treatment across 
the pooled dataset (including the studies mentioned above plus FALCON) was 6.5 months.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions listed below are classified according to frequency and System Organ Class (SOC). 
Frequency groupings are defined according to the following convention: Very common (≥1/10), 
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10), Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100). Within each frequency grouping 
adverse reactions are reported in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1 Adverse Drug Reactions reported in patients treated with Faslodex monotherapy

Adverse reactions by system organ class and frequency

Infections and infestations Common Urinary tract infections

Blood and lymphatic system disorders Common Reduced platelet counte

Immune system disorders Very common Hypersensitivity reactionse

Uncommon Anaphylactic reactions

Metabolism and nutrition disorders Common Anorexiaa

Nervous system disorders Common Headache

Vascular disorders Very common Hot flushese

Common Venous thromboembolisma

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common Nausea

Common Vomiting, diarrhoea

Hepatobiliary disorders Very common Elevated hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, 

ALP)a

Common Elevated bilirubina

Uncommon Hepatic failurec, f, hepatitisf, elevated 

gamma-GTf

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Very common Rashe

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue 

disorders

Very common Joint and musculoskeletal paind

Common Back paina

Reproductive system and breast disorders Common Vaginal haemorrhagee

Uncommon Vaginal moniliasisf, leukorrheaf

General disorders and administration site 

conditions

Very common Astheniaa, injection site reactionsb

Common Neuropathy peripherale, sciaticae

Uncommon Injection site haemorrhagef, injection 

site haematomaf, neuralgiac,f



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a Includes adverse drug reactions for which the exact contribution of Faslodex cannot be assessed due to the 
underlying disease.

b The term injection site reactions does not include the terms injection site haemorrhage, injection site 
haematoma, sciatica, neuralgia and neuropathy peripheral.

c The event was not observed in major clinical studies (CONFIRM, FINDER 1, FINDER 2, NEWEST). The 
frequency has been calculated using the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the point estimate. 
This is calculated as 3/560 (where 560 is the number of patients in the major clinical studies), which 
equates to a frequency category of ‘uncommon’.

d Includes: arthralgia, and less frequently musculoskeletal pain, myalgia and pain in extremity.
e Frequency category differs between pooled safety dataset and FALCON.
f ADR was not observed in FALCON.

Description of selected adverse reactions

The descriptions included below are based on the safety analysis set of 228 patients who received at 
least one (1) dose of fulvestrant and 232 patients who received at least one (1) dose of anastrozole, 
respectively in the Phase 3 FALCON study.

Joint and musculoskeletal pain
In the FALCON study, the number of patients who reported an adverse reaction of joint and
musculoskeletal pain was 65 (31.2%) and 48 (24.1%) for fulvestrant and anastrozole arms, 
respectively. Of the 65 patients in the Faslodex arm, 40% (26/65) of patients reported joint and 
musculoskeletal pain within the first month of treatment, and 66.2% (43/65) of patients within the first 
3 months of treatment. No patients reported events that were CTCAE Grade ≥3 or that required a dose 
reduction, dose interruption, or discontinued treatment due to these adverse reactions.

Combination therapy with palbociclib
The overall safety profile of fulvestrant when used in combination with palbociclib is based on data 
from 517 patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in the 
randomised PALOMA3 study (see section 5.1).  The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions of any 
grade reported in patients receiving fulvestrant in combination with palbociclib were neutropenia, 
leukopenia, infections, fatigue, nausea, anaemia, stomatitis, diarrhoea, thrombocytopenia and 
vomiting. The most common (≥2%) Grade ≥3 adverse reactions were neutropenia, leukopenia, 
infections, anaemia, AST increased, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue. 

Table 2 reports the adverse reactions from PALOMA3.
Median duration of exposure to fulvestrant was 11.2 months in the fulvestrant + palbociclib arm and 
4.8 months in the fulvestrant + placebo arm. Median duration of exposure to palbociclib in the 
fulvestrant + palbociclib arm was 10.8 months. 

Table 2 Adverse reactions based on PALOMA3 Study (N=517)

System Organ Class
Frequency
Preferred Terma

Faslodex + Palbociclib 
(N=345)

Faslodex + placebo 
(N=172)

All Grades
n (%)

Grade ≥ 3
n (%)

All Grades
n (%)

Grade ≥ 3
n (%)

Infections and infestations

Very common

   Infectionsb 188 (54.5) 19 (5.5) 60 (34.9) 6 (3.5)

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Very common

   Neutropeniac 290 (84.1) 240 (69.6) 6 (3.5) 0 

  Leukopeniad 207 (60.0) 132 (38.3) 9 (5.2) 1 (0.6)

   Anaemiae 109 (31.6) 15 (4.3) 24 (14.0) 4 (2.3)

   Thrombocytopeniaf 88 (25.5) 10 (2.9) 0 0



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Uncommon

   Febrile neutropenia 3 (0.9) 3 (0.9) 0 0

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

   Decreased appetite 60 (17.4) 4 (1.2) 18 (10.5) 1 (0.6)

Nervous system disorders

Common

   Dysgeusia 27 (7.8) 0 6 (3.5) 0

Eye disorders

Common

   Lacrimation increased 25 (7.2) 0 2 (1.2) 0

   Vision blurred 24 (7.0) 0 3 (1.7) 0

   Dry eye 15 (4.3) 0 3 (1.7) 0

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

   Epistaxis 25 (7.2) 0 4 (2.3) 0

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

   Nausea 124 (35.9) 2 (0.6) 53 (30.8) 1 (0.6)

   Stomatitisg 104 (30.1) 3 (0.9) 24 (14.0) 0

   Diarrhoea 94 (27.2) 0 35 (20.3) 2 (1.2)

   Vomiting 75 (21.7) 2 (0.6) 28 (16.3) 1 (0.6)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common

   Alopecia 67 (19.4) NA 11 (6.4) NA

   Rashh 63 (18.3) 3 (0.9) 10 (5.8) 0

Common

   Dry skin 28 (8.1) 0 3 (1.7) 0

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

   Fatigue 152 (44.1) 9 (2.6) 54 (31.4) 2 (1.2)

   Pyrexia 47 (13.6) 1 (0.3) 10 (5.8) 0

Common

   Asthenia 27 (7.8) 1 (0.3) 13 (7.6) 2 (1.2)

Investigations

Very common

   AST increased 40 (11.6) 11 (3.2) 13 (7.6) 4 (2.3)

Common

   ALT increased 30 (8.7) 7 (2.0) 10 (5.8) 1 (0.6)
ALT=alanine aminotransferase; AST=aspartate aminotransferase; N/n=number of patients; NA=Not applicable
a Preferred Terms (PTs) are listed according to MedDRA 17.1.
b Infections includes all PTs that are part of the System Organ Class Infections and infestations.
c Neutropenia includes the following PTs: Neutropenia, Neutrophil count decreased.
d Leukopenia includes the following PTs: Leukopenia, White blood cell count decreased.
e Anaemia includes the following PTs: Anaemia, Haemoglobin decreased, Haematocrit decreased.
f Thrombocytopenia includes the following PTs: Thrombocytopenia, Platelet count decreased.



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g Stomatitis includes the following PTs: Aphthous stomatitis, Cheilitis, Glossitis, Glossodynia, Mouth ulceration, 
Mucosal inflammation, Oral pain, Oropharyngeal discomfort, Oropharyngeal pain, Stomatitis.
h Rash includes the following PTs: Rash, Rash maculo-papular, Rash pruritic, Rash erythematous, Rash papular, 
Dermatitis, Dermatitis acneiform, Toxic skin eruption.

Description of selected adverse reactions
Neutropenia
In patients receiving fulvestrant in combination with palbociclib in the PALOMA3 study, neutropenia 
of any grade was reported in 290 (84.1%) patients, with Grade 3 neutropenia being reported in 200 
(58.0%) patients, and Grade 4 neutropenia being reported in 40 (11.6%) patients. In the fulvestrant + 
placebo arm (n=172), neutropenia of any grade was reported in 6 (3.5%) patients. There were no 
reports of Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia in the fulvestrant + placebo arm.

In patients receiving fulvestrant in combination with palbociclib, the median time to first episode of 
any grade neutropenia was 15 days (range: 13-512 days) and the median duration of Grade ≥3 
neutropenia was 16 days. Febrile neutropenia has been reported in 3 (0.9%) patients receiving 
fulvestrant in combination with palbociclib.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system
listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

There are isolated reports of overdose with Faslodex in humans. If overdose occurs, symptomatic
supportive treatment is recommended. Animal studies suggest that no effects other than those related 
directly or indirectly to antiestrogenic activity were evident with higher doses of fulvestrant (see 
section 5.3). 

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Endocrine therapy, Antiestrogens, ATC code: L02BA03 

Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects
Fulvestrant is a competitive estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist with an affinity comparable to estradiol. 
Fulvestrant blocks the trophic actions of estrogens without any partial agonist (estrogen-like) activity.
The mechanism of action is associated with downregulation of estrogen receptor protein levels. 
Clinical studies in postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer have shown that fulvestrant 
significantly downregulates ER protein in ER positive tumours compared with placebo. There was also 
a significant decrease in progesterone receptor expression consistent with a lack of intrinsic estrogen
agonist effects. It has also been shown that fulvestrant 500 mg downregulates ER and the proliferation 
marker Ki67, to a greater degree than fulvestrant 250 mg in breast tumours in postmenopausal 
neoadjuvant setting.

Clinical efficacy and safety in advanced breast cancer

Monotherapy
A Phase 3 clinical study was completed in 736 postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer 
who had disease recurrence on or after adjuvant endocrine therapy or progression following endocrine 
therapy for advanced disease. The study included 423 patients whose disease had recurred or 
progressed during antiestrogen therapy (AE subgroup) and 313 patients whose disease had recurred or 
progressed during aromatase inhibitor therapy (AI subgroup). This study compared the efficacy and

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


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safety of Faslodex 500 mg (n=362) with Faslodex 250 mg (n=374). Progression-free survival (PFS) 
was the primary endpoint; key secondary efficacy endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), 
clinical benefit rate (CBR) and overall survival (OS). Efficacy results for the CONFIRM study are 
summarized in Table 3.

Table 3 Summary of results of the primary efficacy endpoint (PFS) and key secondary 
efficacy endpoints in the CONFIRM study

Variable Type of 

estimate; 

treatment 

comparison

Faslodex 

500 mg

(N=362)

Faslodex 

250 mg

(N=374)

Comparison between groups 

(Faslodex 500 mg/Faslodex 250 mg)

Hazard ratio 95% CI p-value

PFS K-M median 

in months; 

hazard ratio

All Patients 6.5 5.5 0.80 0.68, 0.94 0.006

-AE subgroup (n=423) 8.6 5.8 0.76 0.62, 0.94 0.013

-AI subgroup (n=313)a 5.4 4.1 0.85 0.67, 1.08 0.195

OSb K-M median 

in months; 

hazard ratio

All Patients 26.4 22.3 0.81 0.69, 0.96 0.016c

  -AE subgroup (n=423) 30.6 23.9 0.79 0.63, 0.99 0.038c

  -AI subgroup (n=313)a 24.1 20.8 0.86 0.67, 1.11 0.241c

Variable Type of 

estimate; 

treatment 

comparison

Faslodex 

500 mg

(N=362)

Faslodex 

250 mg

(N=374)

Comparison between groups 

(Faslodex 500 mg/Faslodex 250 mg)

Absolute 

difference in %

95% CI

ORRd % of patients 
with OR;
absolute 
difference in 
%

All Patients 13.8 14.6 -0.8 -5.8, 6.3

  -AE subgroup (n=296) 18.1 19.1 -1.0 -8.2, 9.3

  -AI subgroup (n=205)a 7.3 8.3 -1.0 -5.5, 9.8

CBRe % of patients 

with CB; 

absolute 

difference in 

%

All Patients 45.6 39.6 6.0 -1.1, 13.3

  -AE subgroup (n=423) 52.4 45.1 7.3 -2.2, 16.6

  -AI subgroup (n=313)a 36.2 32.3 3.9 -6.1, 15.2
a Faslodex is indicated in patients whose disease had recurred or progressed on an antiestrogen therapy. 

The results in the AI subgroup are inconclusive.
b OS is presented for the final survival analyses at 75% maturity.
c Nominal p-value with no adjustments made for multiplicity between the initial overall survival analyses at 

50% maturity and the updated survival analyses at 75% maturity.
d ORR was assessed in patients who were evaluable for response at baseline (i.e. those with measurable 

disease at baseline: 240 patients in the Faslodex 500 mg group and 261 patients in the Faslodex 250 mg 

group).
e Patients with a best objective response of complete response, partial response or stable disease ≥24 weeks.
PFS:Progression-free survival; ORR:Objective response rate; OR:Objective response; CBR:Clinical benefit rate; CB:Clinical 
benefit; OS:Overall survival; K-M:Kaplan-Meier; CI:Confidence interval; AI:Aromatase inhibitor; AE:Antiestrogen.



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A Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre study of Faslodex 500 mg versus 
anastrozole 1 mg was conducted in postmenopausal women with ER-positive and/or PgR-positive 
locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who had not previously been treated with any hormonal 
therapy. A total of 462 patients were randomised 1:1 sequentially to receive either fulvestrant 500 mg 
or anastrozole 1 mg. Randomisation was stratified by disease setting (locally advanced or metastatic), 
prior chemotherapy for advanced disease, and measurable disease.

The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was investigator assessed progression-free survival (PFS) 
evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours). Key secondary 
efficacy endpoints included overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR).

Patients enrolled in this study had a median age of 63 years (range 36-90). The majority of patients 
(87.0%) had metastatic disease at baseline. Fifty-five percent (55.0%) of patients had visceral 
metastasis at baseline. A total of 17.1% of patients received a prior chemotherapy regimen for 
advanced disease; 84.2% of patients had measurable disease.

Consistent results were observed across the majority of pre-specified patient subgroups. For the 
subgroup of patients with disease limited to non-visceral metastasis (n=208), the HR was 0.592 (95% 
CI: 0.419, 0.837) for the Faslodex arm compared to the anastrozole arm. For the subgroup of patients
with visceral metastasis (n=254), the HR was 0.993 (95% CI: 0.740, 1.331) for the Faslodex arm 
compared to the anastrozole arm. The efficacy results of the FALCON study are presented in Table 4
and Figure 1.

Table 4 Summary of results of the primary efficacy endpoint (PFS) and key secondary 

efficacy endpoints (Investigator Assessment, Intent-To-Treat Population) ─ FALCON study

Faslodex

500 mg

(N=230)

Anastrozole

1 mg

(N=232)

Progression-Free Survival

Number of PFS Events (%) 143 (62.2%) 166 (71.6%)

PFS Hazard Ratio (95% CI) and 

p-value

HR 0.797 (0.637 - 0.999)

p = 0.0486

PFS Median [months (95% CI)] 16.6 (13.8, 21.0) 13.8 (12.0, 16.6)

Number of OS Events* 67 (29.1%) 75 (32.3%)

OS Hazard Ratio (95% CI) and 

p-value

HR 0.875 (0.629 – 1.217)

p = 0.4277

ORR** 89 (46.1%) 88 (44.9%)

ORR Odds Ratio (95% CI) and 

p-value

OR 1.074 (0.716 – 1.614)

p = 0.7290

Median DoR (months) 20.0 13.2

CBR 180 (78.3%) 172 (74.1%)

CBR Odds Ratio (95% CI) and 

p-value

OR 1.253 (0.815 – 1.932)

p = 0.3045

*(31% maturity)-not final OS analysis
**for patients with measurable disease



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Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier Plot of Progression-Free Survival (Investigator Assessment, Intent-To-

Treat Population) ─ FALCON Study

Two Phase 3 clinical studies were completed in a total of 851 postmenopausal women with advanced 
breast cancer who had disease recurrence on or after adjuvant endocrine therapy or progression 
following endocrine therapy for advanced disease. Seventy seven percent (77%) of the study 
population had estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. These studies compared the safety and 
efficacy of monthly administration of Faslodex 250 mg versus the daily administration of 1 mg 
anastrozole (aromatase inhibitor). Overall, Faslodex at the 250 mg monthly dose was at least as 
effective as anastrozole in terms of progression-free survival, objective response, and time to death. 
There were no statistically significant differences in any of these endpoints between the two treatment 
groups. Progression-free survival was the primary endpoint. Combined analysis of both studies
showed that 83% of patients who received Faslodex progressed, compared with 85% of patients who 
received anastrozole. Combined analysis of both studies showed the hazard ratio of Faslodex 250 mg 
to anastrozole for progression-free survival was 0.95 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.10). The objective response 
rate for Faslodex 250 mg was 19.2% compared with 16.5% for anastrozole. The median time to death 
was 27.4 months for patients treated with Faslodex and 27.6 months for patients treated with 
anastrozole. The hazard ratio of Faslodex 250 mg to anastrozole for time to death was 1.01 (95% CI 
0.86 to 1.19).

Combination therapy with palbociclib
A Phase 3, international, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multicentre study of Faslodex
500 mg plus palbociclib 125 mg versus Faslodex 500 mg plus placebo was conducted in women with 
HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced breast cancer not amenable to resection or radiation 
therapy with curative intent or metastatic breast cancer, regardless of their menopausal status, whose 
disease progressed after prior endocrine therapy in the (neo) adjuvant or metastatic setting.

A total of 521 pre/peri- and postmenopausal women who had progressed on or within 12 months from 
completion of adjuvant endocrine therapy on or within 1 month from prior endocrine therapy for 
advanced disease, were randomised 2:1 to Faslodex plus palbociclib or Faslodex plus placebo and 
stratified by documented sensitivity to prior hormonal therapy, menopausal status at study entry 
(pre/peri- versus postmenopausal), and presence of visceral metastases. Pre/perimenopausal women 
received the LHRH agonist goserelin. Patients with advanced/metastatic, symptomatic, visceral 
spread, that were at risk of life-threatening complications in the short term (including patients with 

Time from randomisation (months)

P
ro

b
ab

il
it

y
 o

f 
P

F
S

Number of patients at risk

FUL500 230 187 171 150 124 110 96 81 63 44 24 11 2 0

ANAS1 232 194 162 139 120 102 84 60 45 31 22 10 0 0

Treatment     ——— Fulvestrant 500 mg (N=230)   - - - - - - Anastrozole 1 mg (N=232)



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massive uncontrolled effusions [pleural, pericardial, peritoneal], pulmonary lymphangitis, and over 
50% liver involvement), were not eligible for enrolment into the study.

Patients continued to receive assigned treatment until objective disease progression, symptomatic 
deterioration, unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawal of consent, whichever occurred first. 
Crossover between treatment arms was not allowed.

Patients were well matched for baseline demographics and prognostic characteristics between the 
Faslodex plus palbociclib arm and the Faslodex plus placebo arm. The median age of patients enrolled 
in this study was 57 years (range 29, 88). In each treatment arm the majority of patients were 
White, had documented sensitivity to prior hormonal therapy, and were postmenopausal. 
Approximately 20% of patients were pre/perimenopausal. All patients had received prior systemic 
therapy and most patients in each treatment arm had received a previous chemotherapy regimen for 
their primary diagnosis. More than half (62%) had an ECOG PS of 0, 60% had visceral metastases,
and 60% had received more than 1 prior hormonal regimen for their primary diagnosis.

The primary endpoint of the study was investigator-assessed PFS evaluated according to RECIST 1.1. 
Supportive PFS analyses were based on an Independent Central Radiology Review. Secondary 
endpoints included OR, CBR, overall survival (OS), safety, and time-to-deterioration (TTD) in pain 
endpoint.

The study met its primary endpoint of prolonging investigator-assessed PFS at the interim analysis 
conducted on 82% of the planned PFS events; the results crossed the pre-specified Haybittle-Peto 
efficacy boundary (α=0.00135), demonstrating a statistically significant prolongation in PFS and a 
clinically meaningful treatment effect. A more mature update of efficacy data is reported in Table 5.

After a median follow-up time of 45 months, the final OS analysis was performed based on 310 events
(60% of randomised patients). A 6.9-month difference in median OS in the palbociclib plus fulvestrant 
arm compared with the placebo plus fulvestrant arm was observed; this result was not statistically 
significant at the prespecified significance level of 0.0235 (1-sided). In the placebo plus fulvestrant 
arm, 15.5% of randomised patients received palbociclib and other CDK inhibitors as post-progression 
subsequent treatments.

The results from the investigator-assessed PFS and final OS data from PALOMA3 study are presented 
in Table 5. The relevant Kaplan-Meier plots are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively.

Table 5 Efficacy results – PALOMA3 study (Investigator assessment, intent-to-treat 
population)

Updated Analysis
(23 October 2015 cut-off)

Faslodex plus palbociclib
(N=347)

Faslodex plus placebo
(N=174)

Progression-Free Survival
Median [months (95% CI)] 11.2 (9.5, 12.9) 4.6 (3.5, 5.6)
Hazard ratio (95% CI) 
and p-value

0.497 (0.398, 0.620), p <0.000001

Secondary endpoints
OR [% (95% CI)] 26.2 (21.7, 31.2) 13.8 (9.0, 19.8)
OR (measurable disease) [% 
(95% CI)]

33.7 (28.1, 39.7) 17.4 (11.5, 24.8)

CBR [% (95% CI)] 68.0 (62.8, 72.9) 39.7 (32.3, 47.3)



13

Final overall survival (OS)
(13 April 2018 cutoff)
Number of events (%) 201 (57.9) 109 (62.6)
Median [months (95% CI)] 34.9 (28.8, 40.0) 28.0 (23.6, 34.6)
Hazard ratio (95% CI) and 
p-value†

0.814 (0.644, 1.029)
p=0.0429†*

CBR=clinical benefit response; CI=confidence interval; N=number of patients; OR=objective response
Secondary endpoint results are based on confirmed and unconfirmed responses according to RECIST 1.1.
* Not statistically significant. 
† 1-sided p-value from the log-rank test stratified by the presence of visceral metastases and sensitivity to prior 
endocrine therapy per randomisation.



14

Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier plot of progression-free survival (investigator assessment, intent-to-treat 
population) – PALOMA3 study (23 October 2015 cutoff)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Time (Month)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

P
ro

g
re

s
s
io

n
-F

re
e
 S

u
rv

iv
a
l 
P

ro
b

a
b

il
it

y
 (

%
)

palbociclib+fulvestrant

placebo+fulvestrant

347 276 245 215 189 168 137 69 38 12 2 1PAL+FUL
174 112 83 62 51 43 29 15 11 4 1PCB+FUL

Number of patients at risk

FUL=fulvestrant; PAL=palbociclib; PCB=placebo.

A reduction in the risk of disease progression or death in the Faslodex plus palbociclib arm was 
observed in all individual patient subgroups defined by stratification factors and baseline 
characteristics. This was evident for pre/perimenopausal women (HR of 0.46 [95% CI: 0.28, 0.75]) 
and postmenopausal women (HR of 0.52 [95% CI: 0.40, 0.66]) and patients with visceral site of 
metastatic disease (HR of 0.50 [95% CI: 0.38, 0.65]) and non-visceral site of metastatic disease (HR of 
0.48 [95% CI: 0.33, 0.71]). Benefit was also observed regardless of lines of prior therapy in the 
metastatic setting, whether 0 (HR of 0.59 [95% CI: 0.37, 0.93]), 1 (HR of 0.46 [95% CI: 0.32, 0.64]), 
2 (HR of 0.48 [95% CI: 0.30, 0.76]), or ≥3 lines (HR of 0.59 [95% CI: 0.28, 1.22]). 



15

Figure 3. Kaplan-Meier plot of overall survival (intent-to-treat population) – PALOMA3 study 
(13 April 2018 cutoff)

FUL=fulvestrant; PAL=palbociclib; PCB=placebo.

Additional efficacy measures (OR and TTR) assessed in the sub-groups of patients with or without
visceral disease are displayed in Table 6.

Table 6 Efficacy results in visceral and non-visceral disease from PALOMA3 study (intent-
to-treat population)

Visceral Disease Non-visceral Disease
Faslodex plus 

palbociclib
(N=206)

Faslodex plus
placebo
(N=105)

Faslodex plus
palbociclib

(N=141)

Faslodex plus 
placebo
(N=69)

OR [% (95% CI)] 35.0
(28.5, 41.9)

13.3
(7.5, 21.4)

13.5
(8.3, 20.2)

14.5
(7.2, 25.0)

TTR*, Median 
[months (range)]

3.8
(3.5, 16.7)

5.4
(3.5, 16.7)

3.7
(1.9, 13.7)

3.6
(3.4, 3.7)

*Response results based on confirmed and unconfirmed responses.
N=number of patients; CI=confidence interval; OR= objective response; TTR=time to first tumour response.

Patient-reported symptoms were assessed using the European Organization for Research and 
Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and its Breast Cancer Module 
(EORTC QLQ-BR23). A total of 335 patients in the Faslodex plus palbociclib arm and 166 patients in 
the Faslodex plus placebo arm completed the questionnaire at baseline and at least 1 post-baseline 
visit.

Time-to-Deterioration was pre-specified as time between baseline and first occurrence of ≥10 points 
increase from baseline in pain symptom scores. Addition of palbociclib to Faslodex resulted in a 
symptom benefit by significantly delaying Time-to-Deterioration in pain symptom compared with 
Faslodex plus placebo (median 8.0 months versus 2.8 months; HR of 0.64 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.85]; 
p<0.001).

Effects on the postmenopausal endometrium
Preclinical data do not suggest a stimulatory effect of fulvestrant on the postmenopausal endometrium 
(see section 5.3). A 2-week study in healthy postmenopausal volunteers treated with 20 μg per day 

O
v

e
ra

ll
 S

u
rv

iv
a
l 
P

ro
b

a
b

il
it

y
 (

%
)

0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54
Time (Month)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100 palbociclib+fulvestrant

placebo+fulvestrant

347 321 286 247 209 165 148 126 17PAL+FUL
174 155 135 115 86 68 57 43 7PCB+FUL

Number of patients at risk



16

ethinylestradiol showed that pretreatment with Faslodex 250 mg resulted in significantly reduced 
stimulation of the postmenopausal endometrium, compared to pre-treatment with placebo, as judged 
by ultrasound measurement of endometrium thickness.

Neoadjuvant treatment for up to 16 weeks in breast cancer patients treated with either Faslodex 
500 mg or Faslodex 250 mg did not result in clinically significant changes in endometrial thickness, 
indicating a lack of agonist effect. There is no evidence of adverse endometrial effects in the breast 
cancer patients studied. No data are available regarding endometrial morphology.

In two short-term studies (1 and 12 weeks) in premenopausal patients with benign gynaecologic 
disease, no significant differences in endometrial thickness were observed by ultrasound measurement 
between fulvestrant and placebo groups.

Effects on bone
There are no long-term data on the effect of fulvestrant on bone. Neoadjuvant treatment for up to 
16 weeks in breast cancer patients with either Faslodex 500 mg or Faslodex 250 mg did not result in 
clinically significant changes in serum bone-turnover markers.

Paediatric population
Faslodex is not indicated for use in children. The European Medicines Agency has waived the 
obligation to submit the results of studies with Faslodex in all subsets of the paediatric population in 
breast cancer (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

An open-label Phase 2 study investigated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant in 
30 girls aged 1 to 8 years with Progressive Precocious Puberty associated with McCune Albright 
Syndrome (MAS). The paediatric patients received 4 mg/kg monthly intramuscular dose of fulvestrant. 
This 12-month study investigated a range of MAS endpoints and showed a reduction in the frequency 
of vaginal bleeding and a reduction in the rate of bone age advancement. The steady-state trough 
concentrations of fulvestrant in children in this study were consistent with that in adults (see 
section 5.2). There were no new safety concerns arising from this small study, but 5-year data are yet 
not available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption 
After administration of Faslodex long-acting intramuscular injection, fulvestrant is slowly absorbed 
and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) are reached after about 5 days. Administration of 
Faslodex 500 mg regimen achieves exposure levels at, or close to, steady state within the first month 
of dosing (mean [CV]: AUC 475 [33.4%] ng.days/ml, Cmax 25.1 [35.3%] ng/ml, Cmin
16.3 [25.9%] ng/ml, respectively). At steady state, fulvestrant plasma concentrations are maintained 
within a relatively narrow range with up to an approximately 3-fold difference between maximum and 
trough concentrations. After intramuscular administration, the exposure is approximately 
dose-proportional in the dose range 50 to 500 mg.

Distribution
Fulvestrant is subject to extensive and rapid distribution. The large apparent volume of distribution at 
steady state (Vdss) of approximately 3 to 5 l/kg suggests that distribution is largely extravascular. 
Fulvestrant is highly (99%) bound to plasma proteins. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low 
density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions are the major binding 
components. No interaction studies were conducted on competitive protein binding. The role of sex 
hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has not been determined.

Biotransformation
The metabolism of fulvestrant has not been fully evaluated, but involves combinations of a number of 
possible biotransformation pathways analogous to those of endogenous steroids. Identified metabolites 
(includes 17-ketone, sulphone, 3-sulphate, 3- and 17-glucuronide metabolites) are either less active or 



17

exhibit similar activity to fulvestrant in antiestrogen models. Studies using human liver preparations 
and recombinant human enzymes indicate that CYP3A4 is the only P450 isoenzyme involved in the 
oxidation of fulvestrant; however, non-P450 routes appear to be more predominant in vivo. In vitro
data suggest that fulvestrant does not inhibit CYP450 isoenzymes.

Elimination
Fulvestrant is eliminated mainly in metabolised form. The major route of excretion is via the faeces, 
with less than 1% being excreted in the urine. Fulvestrant has a high clearance, 11±1.7 ml/min/kg, 
suggesting a high hepatic extraction ratio. The terminal half-life (t1/2) after intramuscular 
administration is governed by the absorption rate and was estimated to be 50 days.

Special populations
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from Phase 3 studies, no difference in fulvestrant’s 
pharmacokinetic profile was detected with regard to age (range 33 to 89 years), weight (40-127 kg) or 
race.

Renal impairment
Mild to moderate impairment of renal function did not influence the pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant to 
any clinically relevant extent.

Hepatic impairment
The pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant has been evaluated in a single-dose clinical study conducted in 
women with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A and B). A high dose of a 
shorter duration intramuscular injection formulation was used. There was up to about 2.5-fold increase 
in AUC in women with hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects. In patients administered 
Faslodex, an increase in exposure of this magnitude is expected to be well tolerated. Women with 
severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) were not evaluated.

Paediatric population
The pharmacokinetics of fulvestrant has been evaluated in a clinical study conducted in 30 girls with
Progressive Precocious Puberty associated with McCune Albright Syndrome (see section 5.1). The 
paediatric patients were aged 1 to 8 years and received 4 mg/kg monthly intramuscular dose of 
fulvestrant. The geometric mean (standard deviation) steady state trough concentration (Cmin,ss) and 
AUCss was 4.2 (0.9) ng/mL and 3680 (1020) ng*hr/mL, respectively. Although the data collected were 
limited, the steady-state trough concentrations of fulvestrant in children appear to be consistent with 
those in adults.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The acute toxicity of fulvestrant is low.

Faslodex and other formulations of fulvestrant were well tolerated in animal species used in multiple 
dose studies. Local reactions, including myositis and granulomata at the injection site were attributed 
to the vehicle but the severity of myositis in rabbits increased with fulvestrant, compared to the saline 
control. In toxicity studies with multiple intramuscular doses of fulvestrant in rats and dogs, the 
antiestrogenic activity of fulvestrant was responsible for most of the effects seen, particularly in the 
female reproductive system, but also in other organs sensitive to hormones in both sexes. Arteritis 
involving a range of different tissues was seen in some dogs after chronic (12 months) dosing.

In dog studies following oral and intravenous administration, effects on the cardiovascular system 
(slight elevations of the S-T segment of the ECG [oral], and sinus arrest in one dog [intravenous]) 
were seen. These occurred at exposure levels higher than in patients (Cmax >15 times) and are likely to 
be of limited significance for human safety at the clinical dose.

Fulvestrant showed no genotoxic potential.



18

Fulvestrant showed effects upon reproduction and embryo/foetal development consistent with its 
antiestrogenic activity, at doses similar to the clinical dose. In rats, a reversible reduction in female 
fertility and embryonic survival, dystocia and an increased incidence of foetal abnormalities including 
tarsal flexure were observed. Rabbits given fulvestrant failed to maintain pregnancy. Increases in 
placental weight and post-implantation loss of foetuses were seen. There was an increased incidence of 
foetal variations in rabbits (backwards displacement of the pelvic girdle and 27 pre-sacral vertebrae).

A two-year oncogenicity study in rats (intramuscular administration of Faslodex) showed increased 
incidence of ovarian benign granulosa cell tumours in female rats at the high dose, 10 mg/rat/15 days 
and an increased incidence of testicular Leydig cell tumours in males. In a two-year mouse 
oncogenicity study (daily oral administration) there was an increased incidence of ovarian sex cord 
stromal tumours (both benign and malignant) at doses of 150 and 500 mg/kg/day. At the no-effect 
level for these findings, systemic exposure levels (AUC) were, in rats, approximately 1.5–fold the 
expected human exposure levels in females and 0.8-fold in males, and in mice, approximately 0.8-fold 
the expected human exposure levels in both males and females. Induction of such tumours is 
consistent with pharmacology-related endocrine feedback alterations in gonadotropin levels caused by 
antiestrogens in cycling animals. Therefore, these findings are not considered to be relevant to the use 
of fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.

Environmental risk assessment (ERA)
Environmental risk assessment studies have shown that fulvestrant may have potential to cause 
adverse effects to the aquatic environment (see section 6.6).

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Ethanol (96 per cent)
Benzyl alcohol 
Benzyl benzoate 
Castor oil refined

6.2 Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 
products.

6.3 Shelf life

4 years 

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store and transport in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).

Temperature excursions outside 2°C - 8°C should be limited. This includes avoiding storage at 
temperatures exceeding 30°C, and not exceeding a 28-day period where the average storage 
temperature for the product is below 25°C (but above 2°C - 8°C). After temperature excursions, the 
product should be returned immediately to the recommended storage conditions (store and transport in 
a refrigerator 2°C - 8°C). Temperature excursions have a cumulative effect on the product quality and 
the 28-day time period must not be exceeded over the duration of the 4-year shelf life of Faslodex (see 
section 6.3). Exposure to temperatures below 2°C will not damage the product providing it is not 
stored below -20°C.

Store the pre-filled syringe in the original package in order to protect from light.



19

6.5 Nature and contents of container

The pre-filled syringe presentation consists of: 

One clear type 1 glass pre-filled syringe with polystyrene plunger rod, fitted with a tamper-evident 
closure, containing 5 ml Faslodex solution for injection.
A safety needle (BD SafetyGlide) for connection to the barrel is also provided.
Or
Two clear type 1 glass pre-filled syringes with polystyrene plunger rod, fitted with a tamper-evident 
closure, each containing 5 ml Faslodex solution for injection. Safety needles (BD SafetyGlide) for 
connection to each barrel are also provided.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Instructions for administration

Administer the injection according to the local guidelines for performing large volume intramuscular 
injections.

NOTE: Due to the proximity of the underlying sciatic nerve, caution should be taken if administering 
Faslodex at the dorsogluteal injection site (see section 4.4).

Warning - Do not autoclave safety needle (BD SafetyGlide Shielding Hypodermic Needle) before use. 
Hands must remain behind the needle at all times during use and disposal.

For each of the two syringes:

 Remove glass syringe barrel from tray and check that it is 
not damaged.

 Peel open the safety needle (SafetyGlide) outer packaging.
 Parenteral solutions must be inspected visually for 

particulate matter and discolouration prior to 
administration.

 Hold the syringe upright on the ribbed part (C). With the 
other hand, take hold of the cap (A) and carefully tilt back 
and forth until the cap disconnects and can be pulled off, 
do not twist (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

 Remove the cap (A) in a straight upward direction. To 
maintain sterility do not touch the syringe tip (B) (see 
Figure 2).

Figure 2



20

 Attach the safety needle to the Luer-Lok and twist until 
firmly seated (see Figure 3).

 Check that the needle is locked to the Luer connector 
before moving out of the vertical plane.

 Pull shield straight off needle to avoid damaging needle 
point.

 Transport filled syringe to point of administration.
 Remove needle sheath.
 Expel excess gas from the syringe.

Figure 3

 Administer intramuscularly slowly (1-2 minutes/injection) 
into the buttock (gluteal area). For user convenience, the 
needle bevel-up position is oriented to the lever arm (see 
Figure 4).

Figure 4

 After injection, immediately apply a single-finger stroke to 
the activation assisted lever arm to activate the shielding 
mechanism (see Figure 5).
NOTE: Activate away from self and others. Listen for click 
and visually confirm needle tip is fully covered.

Figure 5

Disposal
Pre-filled syringes are for single use only.
This medicine may pose a risk to the aquatic environment. Any unused medicinal product or waste 
material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements (see section 5.3).

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/03/269/001 1 Syringe
EU/1/03/269/002 2 Syringe

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 10 March 2004
Date of latest renewal: 10 March 2009



21

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

<{MM/YYYY}>

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


22

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT



23

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release

AstraZeneca AB
Global External Sourcing (GES)
Astraallén
Gärtunaporten 
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

AstraZeneca UK Limited
Silk Road Business Park, 
Macclesfield, SK10 2NA
United Kingdom

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch.

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs)

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of Union 
reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and any 
subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 Risk management plan (RMP)

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities 
and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing authorisation 
and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted

 At the request of the European Medicines Agency;

 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 
being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 

an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.



24

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET



25

A. LABELLING



26

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND THE IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 

CARTON

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Faslodex 250 mg solution for injection.
fulvestrant

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

One pre-filled syringe contains 250 mg fulvestrant in 5 ml solution 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Ethanol (96 per cent), benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate and castor oil refined. See the package leaflet 
for further information.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe.

1 pre-filled syringe (5 ml)
1 safety needle 
2 pre-filled syringes (5 ml each)
2 safety needles

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Intramuscular use.
For single use only.
For full instructions on the administration of Faslodex and the use of the safety needle see enclosed, 
Instructions for administration.
Two syringes must be administered to receive the 500 mg recommended monthly dose.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE



27

EXP

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store and transport in a refrigerator.
Store the pre-filled syringe in the original package in order to protect from light. See package leaflet 
for information on temperature excursions.

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/03/269/001 1 Syringe
EU/1/03/269/002 2 Syringe

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:



28

NN:



29

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

PRE-FILLED SYRINGE LABEL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Faslodex 250 mg solution for injection
fulvestrant
IM use

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

5 ml

6. OTHER



30

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET



31

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Faslodex 250 mg solution for injection
fulvestrant

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible

side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet
1. What Faslodex is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Faslodex
3. How to use Faslodex
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Faslodex
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Faslodex is and what it is used for

Faslodex contains the active substance fulvestrant, which belongs to the group of estrogen blockers. 
Estrogens, a type of female sex hormones, can in some cases be involved in the growth of breast 
cancer.

Faslodex is used either: 
 alone, to treat postmenopausal women with a type of breast cancer called estrogen receptor 

positive breast cancer that is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body 
(metastatic), or

 in combination with palbociclib to treat women with a type of breast cancer called hormone 
receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer, that is
locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Women who have not 
reached menopause will also be treated with a medicine called a luteinizing hormone releasing 
hormone (LHRH) agonist.

When Faslodex is given in combination with palbociclib, it is important that you also read the package 
leaflet for palbociclib. If you have any questions about palbociclib, please ask your doctor.

2. What you need to know before you use Faslodex

Do not use Faslodex:
- if you are allergic to fulvestrant or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6)
- if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
- if you have severe liver problems

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse before using Faslodex if any of these apply to you:
- kidney or liver problems
- low numbers of platelets (which help blood clotting) or bleeding disorders 



32

- previous problems with blood clots
- osteoporosis (loss of bone density)
- alcoholism

Children and adolescents
Faslodex is not indicated in children and adolescents under 18 years.

Other medicines and Faslodex
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines.
In particular, you should tell your doctor if you are using anticoagulants (medicines to prevent blood 
clots).

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You must not use Faslodex if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective 
contraception while you are being treated with Faslodex and for 2 years after your last dose.

You must not breast-feed while on treatment with Faslodex.

Driving and using machines
Faslodex is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you feel tired after 
treatment do not drive or use machines.

Faslodex contains 10% w/v ethanol (alcohol), i.e. up to 500 mg per injection, equivalent to 10 ml 
beer or 4 ml wine.
Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism.
To be taken into account in high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease, or epilepsy.

Faslodex contains 500 mg benzyl alcohol per injection, equivalent to 100 mg/ml.
Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions.

Faslodex contains 750 mg benzyl benzoate per injection, equivalent to 150 mg/ml.

3. How to use Faslodex

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or 
pharmacist if you are not sure.

The recommended dose is 500 mg fulvestrant (two 250 mg/5 ml injections) given once a month, with 
an additional 500 mg dose given 2 weeks after the initial dose.

Your doctor or nurse will give you Faslodex as a slow intramuscular injection, one into each of your 
buttocks.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

You may need immediate medical treatment if you experience any of the following side effects:

 Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat
that may be signs of anaphylactic reactions



33

 Thromboembolism (increased risk of blood clots)*
 Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
 Liver failure

Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects:

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
 Injection site reactions, such as pain and/or inflammation
 Abnormal levels of liver enzymes (in blood tests)*
 Nausea (feeling sick)
 Weakness, tiredness*
 Joint and musculoskeletal pain
 Hot flushes
 Skin rash
 Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat

All other side effects:

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
 Headache
 Vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite*
 Urinary tract infections
 Back pain*
 Increase of bilirubin (bile pigment produced by the liver)
 Thromboembolism (increased risk of blood clots)*
 Decreased levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia)
 Vaginal bleeding
 Lower back pain irradiating to leg on one side (sciatica)
 Sudden weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of movement in your leg, especially on only one

side of your body, sudden problems with walking or balance (peripheral neuropathy)

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
 Thick, whitish vaginal discharge and candidiasis (infection)
 Bruising and bleeding at the site of injection
 Increase of gamma-GT, a liver enzyme seen in a blood test
 Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
 Liver failure
 Numbness, tingling and pain
 Anaphylactic reactions

* Includes side effects for which the exact role of Faslodex cannot be assessed due to the underlying 
disease.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 

system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 

safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Faslodex

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


34

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton or syringe labels after EXP. 
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Store and transport in a refrigerator (2C - 8C).

Temperature excursions outside 2°C - 8°C should be limited. This includes avoiding storage at 
temperatures exceeding 30°C, and not exceeding a 28-day period where the average storage 
temperature for the product is below 25°C (but above 2°C - 8°C). After temperature excursions, the 
product should be returned immediately to the recommended storage conditions (store and transport in 
a refrigerator 2°C - 8°C). Temperature excursions have a cumulative effect on the product quality and 
the 28-day time period must not be exceeded over the duration of the 4-year shelf life of Faslodex. 
Exposure to temperatures below 2°C will not damage the product providing it is not stored below
-20°C.

Keep the pre-filled syringe in the original package, in order to protect from light.

Your healthcare professional will be responsible for the correct storage, use and disposal of Faslodex.

This medicine may pose a risk to the aquatic environment. Do not throw away any medicines via 
wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. 
These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Faslodex contains
- The active substance is fulvestrant. Each pre-filled syringe (5 ml) contains 250 mg fulvestrant.
- The other ingredients (excipients) are ethanol (96 per cent), benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate and 

castor oil refined.

What Faslodex looks like and contents of the pack
Faslodex is a clear, colourless to yellow, viscous solution in a pre-filled syringe fitted with a 
tamper-evident closure, containing 5 ml solution for injection. Two syringes must be administered to 
receive the 500 mg recommended monthly dose.

Faslodex has 2 pack presentations, either a pack containing 1 glass pre-filled syringe or a pack 
containing 2 glass pre-filled syringes. Safety needles (BD SafetyGlide) for connection to each barrel 
are also provided.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder
AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

Manufacturer
AstraZeneca AB
Global External Sourcing (GES)
Astraallén
Gärtunaporten 
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden



35

AstraZeneca UK Limited
Silk Road Business Park
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 2NA
United Kingdom

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:

België/Belgique/Belgien
AstraZeneca S.A./N.V.
Tel: +32 2 370 48 11

Lietuva
UAB AstraZeneca Lietuva
Tel: +370 5 2660550

България
АстраЗенека България ЕООД 
Тел.: +359 24455000

Luxembourg/Luxemburg
AstraZeneca S.A./N.V.
Tél/Tel: +32 2 370 48 11

Česká republika
AstraZeneca Czech Republic s.r.o.
Tel: +420 222 807 111

Magyarország
AstraZeneca Kft
Tel: +36 1 883 6500

Danmark
AstraZeneca A/S
Tlf: +45 43 66 64 62

Malta
Associated Drug Co. Ltd
Tel: +356 2277 8000

Deutschland
AstraZeneca GmbH
Tel: +49 41 03 7080

Nederland
AstraZeneca BV
Tel: +31 79 363 2222

Eesti
AstraZeneca 
Tel: +372 6549 600

Norge
AstraZeneca AS
Tlf: +47 21 00 64 00

Ελλάδα
AstraZeneca A.E.
Τηλ: + 30 210 6871500

Österreich
AstraZeneca Österreich GmbH
Tel: +43 1 711 31 0

España
AstraZeneca Farmacéutica Spain, S.A.
Tel: +34 91 301 91 00

Polska
AstraZeneca Pharma Poland Sp. z o.o.
Tel.: +48 22 245 73 00

France
AstraZeneca
Tél: +33 1 41 29 40 00

Portugal
AstraZeneca Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda.
Tel: +351 21 434 61 00

Hrvatska 
AstraZeneca d.o.o.
Tel: +385 1 4628 000

România
AstraZeneca Pharma SRL
Tel: +40 21 317 60 41

Ireland
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) DAC
Tel: +353 1609 7100

Slovenija
AstraZeneca UK Limited
Tel: +386 1 51 35 600

Ísland Slovenská republika



36

Vistor hf.
Sími: +354 535 7000

AstraZeneca AB, o.z.
Tel: +421 2 5737 7777

Italia
AstraZeneca S.p.A.
Tel: +39 02 9801 1

Suomi/Finland
AstraZeneca Oy
Puh/Tel: +358 10 23 010

Κύπρος
Αλέκτωρ Φαρµακευτική Λτδ
Τηλ: +357 22490305

Sverige
AstraZeneca AB
Tel: +46 8 553 26 000

Latvija
SIA AstraZeneca Latvija
Tel: +371 67377100

United Kingdom
AstraZeneca UK Ltd
Tel: +44 1582 836 836

This leaflet was last revised in

Other sources of information

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

Faslodex 500 mg (2 x 250 mg/5 ml solution for injection) should be administered using two pre-filled 
syringes, see section 3.

Instructions for administration
Warning - Do not autoclave safety needle (BD SafetyGlide Shielding Hypodermic Needle) before use. 
Hands must remain behind the needle at all times during use and disposal.

For each of the two syringes:

 Remove glass syringe barrel from tray and check that it is 
not damaged.

 Peel open the safety needle (SafetyGlide) outer packaging.
 Parenteral solutions must be inspected visually for 

particulate matter and discolouration prior to 
administration.

 Hold the syringe upright on the ribbed part (C). With the 
other hand, take hold of the cap (A) and carefully tilt back 
and forth until the cap disconnects and can be pulled off, 
do not twist (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


37

 Remove the cap (A) in a straight upward direction. To 
maintain sterility do not touch the syringe tip (B) (see 
Figure 2).

Figure 2

 Attach the safety needle to the Luer-Lok and twist until 
firmly seated (see Figure 3).

 Check that the needle is locked to the Luer connector 
before moving out of the vertical plane.

 Pull shield straight off needle to avoid damaging needle 
point.

 Transport filled syringe to point of administration.
 Remove needle sheath.
 Expel excess gas from the syringe.

Figure 3

 Administer intramuscularly slowly (1-2 minutes/injection) 
into the buttock (gluteal area). For user convenience, the 
needle bevel-up position is oriented to the lever arm (see 
Figure 4).

Figure 4

 After injection, immediately apply a single-finger stroke to 
the activation assisted lever arm to activate the shielding 
mechanism (see Figure 5).
NOTE: Activate away from self and others. Listen for click 
and visually confirm needle tip is fully covered.

Figure 5

Disposal
Pre-filled syringes are for single use only.
This medicine may pose a risk to the aquatic environment. Any unused medicinal product or waste 
material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET