Nolvadex

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)

Nolvadex

Tamoxifen tablet

What is it used for?

TAMOXIFEN blocks the estrogen effects. Nowadays it is used for the breast cancer treatment. It is also used to decrease the chance of breast cancer reoccurrence  for women who have already undergone the respective treatment course. It is also used to help preventing breast cancer for women who are in the breast cancer high-risk groups.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• blood clots
• blood disease
• cataracts or impaired eyesight
• endometriosis
• high calcium levels
• high cholesterol
• irregular menstrual cycles
• liver disease
• stroke
• uterine fibroids
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tamoxifen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. This medicine is should be taken at a regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• aminoglutethimide
• bromocriptine
• chemotherapy drugs
• female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills
• letrozole
• medroxyprogesterone
• phenobarbital
• rifampin
• warfarin

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. Regular pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms will be necessary. In case if you are taking this medicine to reduce the risk of the breast cancer, you should be aware that this medicine does not completely prevent all types of the breast cancer. If breast cancer or other issues appear, there is no warranty that they are discovered at an early stage.

You shouldn’t get pregnant during the treatment course or during 2 months following it. You should stop taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor if you get pregnant or think that you are pregnant. This medicine is capable of harming your unborn baby. Women who can get pregnant during the treatment course, should use birth control methods other than hormones during tamoxifen treatment and for 2 months following the therapy. Refer to your health care provider for detailed birth control advice.

You shouldn’t breast feed while undergoing this treatment course.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noted:

• changes in vision (blurred vision)
• changes in your menstrual cycle
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• difficulty walking or talking
• new breast lumps
• numbness
• pelvic pain or pressure
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash or itching (hives)
• sudden chest pain
• swelling of lips, face, or tongue
• swelling, pain or tenderness in your calf or leg
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• vaginal discharge that is bloody, brown, or rust
• weakness
• yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• fatigue
• hair loss, although uncommon and is usually mild
• headaches
• hot flashes
• male impotency
• mild nausea or vomiting
• white or clear vaginal discharge

Other side effects are also possible, for the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). It should be protected from light by keeping the container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.