Brand
name: TAMOXIFEN
(Tamoxifen rx)
Generic name: Tamoxifen citrate
Why is Tamoxifen rx prescribed?
Tamoxifen rx, an anticancer drug, is given to treat breast cancer. It
also has proved effective when cancer has spread to other parts of
the body. Tamoxifen rx is most effective in stopping the kind of breast
cancer that thrives on estrogen.
Tamoxifen rx is also prescribed to reduce the risk of invasive breast
cancer following surgery and radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma
in situ. The drug can also be used to reduce the odds of breast cancer
in women at high risk of developing the disease. It does not completely
eliminate your chances, but in a five-year study of over 1,500 high-risk
women, it slashed the number of cases by 44 percent.
Most important fact about Tamoxifen rx
Although Tamoxifen rx reduces the risk of breast cancer, it increases
othe possibility of developing endometrial (uterine) cancer. Women
taking Tamoxifen rx should have routine gynecological examinations and
report any abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual periods,
change in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure to the doctor
immediately. Even after Tamoxifen rx therapy has stopped, any abnormal
vaginal bleeding should be reported at once.
How should you take Tamoxifen rx?
Take Tamoxifen rx exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication
without first consulting your doctor. It may be necessary to continue
taking the drug for several years.
If you miss a dose TAMOXIFEN (Nolvadex)
Do not try to make it up. Go back to your regular schedule with the
next dose.
Storage instructions
Tamoxifen rx may be stored at room temperature.
Tamoxifen rx side effects
Side effects from Tamoxifen rx are usually mild and rarely require the
drug to be stopped. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your
doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is
safe for you to continue taking Tamoxifen rx.
* Side effects may include:
Hot flashes, nausea, vomiting
Why should Tamoxifen rx not be prescribed?
Do not take Tamoxifen rx if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an
allergic reaction to it.
If you are taking the blood-thinning drug Coumadin or have had problems
with clots in your veins or your lungs, you should not take Tamoxifen rx
to reduce the risk of breast cancer, and when taking it to treat an
actual case of the disease, you should use it with caution.
Special warnings about Tamoxifen rx
In addition to increasing the risk of uterine cancer, Tamoxifen rx also
raises the odds of developing endometriosis (the spread of endometrial
tissue outside the uterus), uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, and ovarian
cysts. Women who take Tamoxifen rx also face a greater risk of stroke and
blood clots lodging in their lungs. The risk increases further when
Tamoxifen rx is combined with toxic cancer drugs. Tamoxifen rx can also cause
liver damage, and should be used with caution if you already have liver
problems.
If you experience visual problems while taking Tamoxifen rx, notify your
doctor immediately.
In a few women Tamoxifen rx may raise the level of cholesterol and other
fats in the blood. Your doctor may periodically do blood tests to check
your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Tamoxifen rx may produce an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.
Symptoms include muscle pain and weakness, loss of appetite, and, if
severe, kidney failure. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify
your doctor as soon as possible.
If tests show that your blood contains too few white blood cells or
platelets while you are taking Tamoxifen rx, your doctor should monitor
you with special care. These problems have sometimes been found in
women taking Tamoxifen rx; whether the drug caused the blood-cell abnormalities
is uncertain.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tamoxifen rx
If Tamoxifen rx is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Tamoxifen rx with the following:
Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Cancer drugs such as Cytoxan
Letrozole (Femara)
Phenobarbital
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to avoid pregnancy while taking Tamoxifen rx, because
the drug could harm the unborn child. Since Tamoxifen rx is an anti-estrogen
drug, you will need to use a non-hormonal form of contraception, such
as a condom and/or diaphragm, and not birth control pills. If you accidentally
become pregnant while taking Tamoxifen rx, or within 2 months after you
have stopped taking it, discuss this with your doctor immediately.
Because Tamoxifen rx might cause serious harm to a nursing infant, you
should not breastfeed your baby while taking Tamoxifen rx. If this medication
is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Tamoxifen rx
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Tamoxifen rx, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Tamoxifen rx overdose may include:
Dizziness, overactive reflexes, tremor, unsteady gait
