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Introduction About HONVAN TABLET
HONVAN TABLET contains Fosfestrol which belongs to a group of medicines called Antineoplastic agents. HONVAN TABLET is used to manage hormone-sensitive tumours, especially prostate cancer, which is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland (a small walnut-sized gland located between bladder and penis) found only in males.
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Fosfestrol. It is also not recommended for use in patients suffering from breast carcinoma (breast cancer), and thrombophlebitis (blood clot in veins).
Before taking HONVAN TABLET, inform your doctor if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium level in blood), glucose intolerance, heart problems (such as coronary artery disease), liver problems (such as hepatic adenomas), and/or kidney problems (such as renal dysfunction).
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy since it may cause harm to the foetus. It is also not recommended for use in breast feeding women unless it is clearly necessary.
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) since it is intended to be used only in adult men. It should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 58 years and above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of taking HONVAN TABLET are development/worsening of gynecomastia (swollen male breast tissue), peripheral oedema (swelling of legs), abdominal discomfort, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in deep veins of leg), skin rash, and/or high blood pressure. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsen.
Uses Of HONVAN TABLET
- Manage prostate cancer
How HONVAN TABLET Works
HONVAN TABLET works by inhibiting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (endocrine glands responsible for regulating reproductive activity in males) which leads to blockade of testicular synthesis of testosterone (male sex hormone needed for prostate cells to grow and spread) resulting in low testosterone level thus managing prostate cancer and managing its spread to other parts of the body in affected individuals.
How to use HONVAN TABLET
Take HONVAN TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of HONVAN TABLET
Common
- development/worsening of gynecomastia (swollen male breast tissue)
- peripheral oedema (swelling of legs)
- abdominal discomfort
- deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in deep veins of leg)
- skin rash
- high blood pressure
How To Manage Side Effects
Skin rash:
Do not scratch the affected area. Wear protective clothing while going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult and inform your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy since it may cause harm to the foetus. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Breastfeeding
HONVAN TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breast feeding women unless it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Kidney
HONVAN TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems such as renal dysfunction. Consult your doctor before taking HONVAN TABLET.

Liver
HONVAN TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems such as hepatic adenomas (rare benign tumours of liver). Consul your doctor before taking HONVAN TABLET.

Allergy
Do not take HONVAN TABLET if you are allergic to Fosfestrol, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease
HONVAN TABLET should be used with caution in patients with heart problems such as coronary artery disease. Consult your doctor before taking HONVAN TABLET.
Others
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- are a male and suffer from breast carcinoma (breast cancer)
- have thrombophlebitis (blood clot in veins)
Before taking HONVAN TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- suffer from hypercalcemia (high calcium level in blood)
- have glucose intolerance
Use in Paediatrics:
HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) as it is intended to be used only in adult men. Consult your doctor before taking HONVAN TABLET.
Use in Geriatrics:
HONVAN TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 58 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of HONVAN TABLET, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital straight away to manage overdose symptoms.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Fosfestrol |
Pharmacological Category | : | Antineoplastic agent |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Prostate cancer |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep [GBNKEYWORD out of reach of children
- Do not store HONVAN TABLET above 30ºC
FAQs About HONVAN TABLET
Q. What is HONVAN TABLET used for?
A. HONVAN TABLET is used to manage hormone-sensitive tumours, especially prostate cancer, which is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland (a small walnut-sized gland located between bladder and penis) found only in males.
Q. What are the common side effects of taking HONVAN TABLET?
A. The most common side effects of taking HONVAN TABLET are development/worsening of gynecomastia (swollen male breast tissue), peripheral oedema (swelling of legs), abdominal discomfort, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in deep veins of leg), skin rash, and/or high blood pressure. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsen.
Q. How HONVAN TABLET should be taken?
A. Take HONVAN TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Q. Can HONVAN TABLET be used in pregnant women?
A. No, HONVAN TABLET is not recommended for use during pregnancy since it may cause harm to the foetus. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Q. How HONVAN TABLET works?
A. HONVAN TABLET works by inhibiting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (endocrine glands responsible for regulating reproductive activity in males) which leads to blockade of testicular synthesis of testosterone (male sex hormone needed for prostate cells to grow and spread) resulting in low testosterone level thus managing prostate cancer and managing its spread to other parts of the body in affected individuals.
References
1. K.D. Tripathi. Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page-872.
2. M. Orlando, M. Chacon, G. Salum & D. R. Chacon. Low-dose continuous oral fosfestrol is highly active in 'hormone-refractory' prostate cancer. Annals of Oncology. January 2000. [Accessed on 3rd January 2023] https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(19)54901-8/pdf
3. Carl P. Weiner, Catalin Buhimschi. Diethylstilbestrol—(Stilphostrol). Drugs for Pregnant and Lactating Women (Second Edition). 2009. [Accessed on 3rd January 2023] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/fosfestrol
4. FOSFESTROL. NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. 1941. [Accessed on 3rd January 2023] https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/A0E0NMA80F
5. PharmaKing Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. FOSFESTROL 120 MG. [Accessed on 3rd January 2023] http://www.pharmaking.in/products.php
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA
- Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) PSA