Drug Uses

Tamoxifen is sold under the brand names Nolvadex, Istubal, and Valodex, and apart from breast cancer treatments it is also used to treat infertility in women with anovulatory disorders and mania in patients with bipolar disorder, and is used in prevention of estrogen related gynecomastia as well.

It is available in 10mg and 20mg doses and it has been used in treatments of metastatic breast cancer, adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, and in reducing the incidence of breast cancer in women, who are at high risk of developing the disease.

The medication is widely known by its generic name, and being an antagonist of the estrogen receptor it inhibits the female sex hormone oestrogen, which aids the growth of breast cancer.

Tamoxifen has been successfully used for over thirty years.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to Tamoxifen and inform him or her of all non-prescription and prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies that you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and make sure to use reliable, non-hormonal birth prevention method while taking the medication; do not attempt to get pregnant at least two months after the discontinuation of the therapy.

The medication is only effective in treatments of hormone-sensitive breast cancers and the patient will be typically required to undergo a number of tests such as testing the cancer cells for oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). Even if you decided to purchase the generic medication online, you still need to do so after consulting your doctor, and carry out the treatment under his close supervision.

Do not take the medication at higher than the recommended dose, remember to take the pills regularly and if you happen to miss a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Keep the medication as indicated on the patient's leaflet and dispose of the expired tablets in the prescribed manner.

Possible Side Effects

The possible side effects of Tamoxifen therapy include increased tumor or bone pain, flashes, nausea, depression, dizziness, hair thinning, headache, weight loss, and constipation.

More severe side effects like rash, loss of appetite, vision problems, muscle weakness, and restlessness are possible as well. The sweats and the hot flashes are by far the most widely experienced side effects, which are normally felt in the first few months of the treatment.

Controlling these side effects could be done by reducing the intake of alcohol, nicotine, coffee, and tea, but your doctor might also prescribe certain antidepressants that could help reduce the side effects' severity. Indigestion and nausea could be relieved by taking the pills at night or swallowing them with glass of milk of food.

Women, who have not reached the menopause might notice irregular or lighter periods, itching in the vaginal area, and increased vaginal discharge. Rare side effects such as blood clots, voice changes, vision problems, or tumor flare should be reported to the doctor right away.