Indication:
Nolvadex® (Tamoxifen citrate) belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the type of antineoplastics known as antiestrogens. It is used in combination with other medications to treat early breast cancer.
Nolvadex® fights certain types of breast cancer, called hormone responsive or estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, by blocking the effects of the hormone estrogen in the body. This prevents the growth of the types of breast cancer cells that require estrogen for growth and survival. It is also used to treat breast cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.
Contraindications:
Nolvadex® (tamoxifen citrate) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women and Women with DCIS
Nolvadex® (tamoxifen citrate) is contraindicated in women who require concomitant coumarin-type anticoagulant therapy or in women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.
Administration:
The recommended daily dose is 20-40 mg. Dosages greater than 20 mg per day should be given in divided doses (morning and evening).
Precautions:
Before taking Nolvadex®, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have cancer limited to the milk ducts, or if you are taking this medication to prevent breast cancer, then this medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), conditions that require treatment with a "blood thinner" (such as warfarin).
If you have breast cancer and a history of blood clots/stroke, you may or may not be able to take tamoxifen. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease.
Before having surgery (especially breast reconstruction), tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should start tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before starting the medication. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication and for 2 months after treatment. Women must use reliable non-hormonal forms of birth control (such as condoms, diaphragms with spermicide) while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping the medication.
It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side effects:
Hot flashes, nausea, leg cramps, muscle aches, hair thinning, headache, and numb/tingling skin may occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest may occur in men. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdosage:
In case, an overdose with Nolvadex happened seek emergency help.