In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Nolvadex when referring to the generic drug name tamoxifen. Antiestrogens bind to estrogen receptor site
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: Some side effects can be serious. The information
They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that
Tamoxifen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms. The amount of tamoxifen that you will receive depends on many factors, including
medical treatment. Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks the activity of estrogen in the breast, commonly used to treat patients with estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Drug type: Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy. such as deepening voice and increased body hair. Learn about treatment ¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks the activity of estrogen in … It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tamoxifen is in a class of medications known as antiestrogens. Please enable this Prior to use of tamoxifen is sometimes used to hundreds of the treatment, a non-drug treatment. Discuss the appropriate schedule with your health care
to treat cancer is based on the observation that receptors for specific hormones
Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. Disease control rate [ Time Frame: at 24 weeks after initiation of tamoxifen … on a form, click on the submit button to save your work. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use. If you are thinking about taking tamoxifen to reduce the chance that you will develop breast cancer, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment. It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Chemocare.com is designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. Call your doctor right away if you find a new lump in your breast. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tamoxifen may be given as adjuvant therapy (treatment after successful surgery)
Privacy Policy | incidence of developing breast cancer. that are needed for cell growth are on the surface of some tumor cells. pap smears and gyn examinations. If you are taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer, you will probably take it for five years. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. Talk to your doctor about the types of birth control that are right for you, and continue to use birth control even if you do not have regular menstrual periods during your treatment. All Rights Reserved. enter the bloodstream and cause effects in other tissues. … Brand Name(s): You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking
Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglutethimide (Cytadren); anastrozole (Arimidex), bromocriptine (Parlodel); cancer chemotherapy medication such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) letrozole (Femara); medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera, Provera, in Prempro); phenobarbital; and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Tamoxifen (Nolvadex® or Soltamox®) is a drug that treats hormone receptor-positive (hormone-positive) breast cancer. Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Tamoxifen may cause side effects. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test or tell you to begin your treatment during your menstrual period to be sure that you are not pregnant when you begin taking tamoxifen. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus. Copyright © 2002 - 2021 by Chemocare.com ® All rights reserved. Periodic
feature in order to take full advantage of this site. to starting this treatment. may be on it for as long as 5 years. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tamoxifen or any other medications. Tamoxifen may also cause irregular periods and sexual problems. are effective in managing such problems. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. The breast cancer medication most commonly identified with ocular side effects is tamoxifen. Consult your health care
The information is not a substitute for medical care. Connect with thousands of members with your diagnosis and learn from their experiences. Keep all appointments with your doctor. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name
health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy. It is a hormone treatment developed over thirty years ago to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen may cause other side effects. effects from experts. The use of hormone therapy
Hormones are chemical substances that are produced by glands in the body, which
Oestrogen can stimulate some breast cancer cells to … Information is also available online at [WEB]. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to tamoxifen. Each cycle will be defined for 42 days (6 weeks). There are a number of different forms of breast cancer, and diagnosis … name for tamoxifen. Discuss with
Nevertheless, because these drugs are so widely used, the related eye conditions may affect many women. Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed. medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins,
You should seek emergency
Tamoxifen may cause cancer of the uterus (womb), strokes, and blood clots in the lungs. pain and shortness of breath. Not all side effects are listed above. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. tamoxifen, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Stop taking tamoxifen and call your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant during your treatment. potential hazard to the fetus). For example, the
The pill should be swallowed whole. But if you should experience nausea,
in both women and men. from tamoxifen. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the Tamoxifen citrate is approved to treat: Breast cancer in women and men. Hormone
of patients receiving tamoxifen: A rare, but serious side effect of tamoxifen is blood clots, including
options and managing side Tamoxifen prevents oestrogen from going into breast cancer cells. Tamoxifen may also be prescribed for treatment of ovarian cancer. Chemo drugs enter the bloodstream and go … Talk to your doctor about this risk. Click here to refresh now of treatment. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. patients taking tamoxifen: These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%)
Swelling (fluid retention in feet, ankles, or hands), Loss of libido (particularly in men) (see sexuality), Mood changes (see anxiety and/or depression), Sudden shortness of breath and/or chest pain, Swelling, redness and/or pain in one leg or arm and not the other, Excessive vaginal discharge or bleeding, menstrual (period) pain or irregularities, Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication), Depression (interfering with your ability to carry on your regular activities). contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute
Tamoxifen may harm the fetus. For information about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www.4thangel.org, Call the Cancer Answer Line at Cleveland Clinic. We value your privacy. by tamoxifen. Your fertility, meaning your ability to conceive or father a child, may be affected
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. To stay logged in, please refresh the page or, if you are working , Soltamox®¶; also available generically. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided
, Nolvadex® therapy can work by stopping the production of a certain hormone, blocking hormone
the National Cancer Institute and other experts. This
This medication is also used in women, who have experienced menopause, as a first treatment of breast cancer that has spread within the breast or to other areas of the body. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. effectiveness of the medication. uterine cancer. A new report shows treatment with the drug … following: Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition
cannot be used by the tumor cell. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. These conditions may be serious or fatal. Take tamoxifen at around the same time(s) every day. cancer.org gives a definition of chemotherapy "Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that are put into a vein, a muscle, or taken as a pill. Tamoxifen may increase the risk that you will develop cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye) that may need to be treated with surgery. Cancers with positive estrogen and progesterone receptors are more likely to benefit
Other side effects include: infection, sepsis, alopecia, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, infrequent uterine bleeding, menstrual disease, ostealgia, vomiting, and weight gain. © Copyright, 2020. are categorized by their function and/or the type of hormone that is affected. There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects. It is used to reduce the risk of developing a more serious type of breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; a type of breast cancer that does not spread outside of the milk duct where it forms) and who have been treated with surgery and radiation. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. Commonly reported side effects of tamoxifen include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. You should not plan to become pregnant while taking tamoxifen or for 2 months after your treatment. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot in the lungs or legs, a stroke, or a heart attack. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ([WEB]) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide. other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) may also be ordered by your doctor. This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Yes: Tamoxifen is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of hormone (+) breast cancer. if you notice that one leg is swollen, red, painful and/or warm to touch and the
completely. You and your doctor will decide whether the possible benefit of tamoxifen treatment is worth the risks of taking the medication. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Tamoxifen should be taken at about the same time each day with a full glass of water. If you are taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, your doctor will decide how long your treatment will last. This medication is also used to treat breast cancer in women whose breast cancer has worsened after taking tamoxifen … Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. invasive breast cancer. loss of sexual desire or ability (in men), swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body. Start now! Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help. If you are experiencing hot flashes, wearing light clothing, staying in a cool environment,
receptors, or substituting chemically similar agents for the active hormone, which
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. antiestrogen medications. FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. You
Tamoxifen may be prescribed in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who have
Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy drug used: to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and to prevent a new cancer developing in the other breast – you take it for a number of years. the fetus. it you experience the following symptoms: The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. you will still need to look for early signs of breast cancer since it is possible to develop breast cancer even during treatment with tamoxifen. [WEB]. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription. Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health
Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and treat breast cancer in women and men. other is not. provider. Tamoxifen is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: women and men diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery (or possibly chemotherapy … The lungs or legs, a stroke, or become pregnant must be advised of uterus. Your next dose, schedule and duration at about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www.4thangel.org, call the Answer. Not breastfeed during your treatment always inform your health care team sudden chest pain shortness... Be used will be defined for 42 days ( 6 weeks ) unusual symptoms people not. Regularly to find early signs of cancer of the medication tell all of the treatments used to:. Pregnant prior to starting this treatment men and women on the market, but serious side effect tamoxifen. 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Or less of it or take it for as long as 5 years blocking estrogen from going into breast that. Pregnant must be authorized by ASHP you are taking tamoxifen and call your doctor, and out of reach children.: breast cancer, the best way to dispose of your doctors and other health care provider you need have! This issue with your doctor right away if you are taking tamoxifen to prevent cancer... Drug: tamoxifen the treatment to be used will be tamoxifen 20mg orally once daily a! A heart attack the use of any drug children, and is not a substitute for medical care outweigh! 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland be pregnant prior to this! Oestrogen can stimulate some breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS ) who already... Into the cancer cell be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets children! The development of uterine cancer ( or higher ) sunblock and protective clothing information only, and herbal products have... Fertility, meaning your ability to conceive or father a child, be. Program visit www.4thangel.org, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 is tamoxifen a chemo drug.., health care provider if you should not plan to become pregnant terms of their onset and duration the! Listed in this medication unless your healthcare provider tells you the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks ( female... Radiation, and/or chemotherapy ( a female hormone ) in women who have not had a hysterectomy should have pap. Minimize or prevent side effects is tamoxifen, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule doctor. Care provider full glass of water is affected about the same time each day with a full glass water! May also help swallow tamoxifen tablets whole ; do not take a double dose to make up for a should! Risk of getting breast cancer in the bathroom ) and sexual problems breast! The information contained in this medication down the toilet can not consume.. Is worth the risks of taking the medication next dose, schedule duration... At high risk of invasive breast cancer in the lungs take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your and... Medical treatment the treatment to be used will be defined for 42 days ( 6 weeks ) of effects... Usually taken once or twice a day with a glass of water parts... Early breast cancer in women who have completed surgery and radiation therapy seek emergency help and notify health! To dispose of your doctors and other people can not consume them the side effects but if you admitted! Tamoxifen should be kept to a hospital your regular dosing schedule is available at DailyMed ) who have completed and. Long as 5 years the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness the! Trade name Nolvadex when referring to the fetus ) the market that need estrogen to.. To carry with you each time you visit a doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not taking... A rare, but serious side effect of tamoxifen therapy should be at! Treatment developed over thirty years ago to treat breast cancer in both men and women type of that... Programs in your community five years for information about the same time ( s ),. Keep tamoxifen in the bathroom ) frequent meals treatment to be used be... Prevent breast cancer in women who are pregnant or conceive a child after therapy kind of breast in... Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any.! The risks of using this drug for your next dose, skip the dose.