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| Pronunciation |
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 (ta MOKS i
fen) |
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| Brand Names |
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; Nolvadex® |
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| Foreign Brand Names |
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; Alpha-Tamoxifen® (Canada)
; Apo-Tamox® (Canada)
; Bilem (Mexico)
; Cryoxifeno (Mexico)
; Novo-Tamoxifen (Canada)
; Tamofen® (Canada)
; Tamone® (Canada)
; Tamoxan (Mexico)
; Taxus (Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic Categories |
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Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous |
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| Reasons not to take this medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to tamoxifen or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used for? |
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- This medicine is used in the treatment of breast cancer in women and
men. It is also for the prevention of breast cancer in women at increased risk
of developing the disease. It may reduce the risk of getting cancer in the other
breast after one has already developed cancer. It may also decrease the risk of
the cancer spreading in a certain type of local breast cancer (ductal carcinoma
in situ
) in women.
- It may be used to treat other forms of cancer.
- It may be used to induce
ovulation.
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| How does it work? |
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- Tamoxifen prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer
cells as in many forms of breast cancer. This decreases recurrence or spread of
the cancer and lengthens life in these
patients.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
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| What do I do if I miss a dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when taking this
medicine? |
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- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). May increase
risk of breast cancer.
- If you are taking this medicine to prevent breast cancer, tell
healthcare provider if you have ever had any circulation problems or blood clots
in your legs, arms, or lungs.
- There may be an increased risk of endometrial or uterine cancer.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects of this
medicine? |
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- Hot flashes and flushing. This usually improves in a few weeks.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Irregular menses and vaginal discharge.
- Changes in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after
medicine is stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without
this side effect.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and gynecologic exams are
important.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Menstrual changes. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, change in vaginal
discharge, pelvic pain or pressure.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Swelling/pain of a leg or arm.
- Sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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