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Tamoxifen - Generic Nolvadex Product: Tamoxifen
Drug name:
Tamoxifen
Packaging Type:
Packets of 10 x 10mg Tablets
or
Packets of 10 x 20mg
Tablets
Manufacturer: Lyka Hetero
Why is this medication prescribed?
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to treat the early
stages of breast cancer or to prevent breast cancer in women who are
at high risk for the disease. It is also used to induce egg
production in women who have had difficulty producing eggs to become
pregnant and treating breast swelling and tenderness.
The response is similar to that seen with either oestrogens or androgens but tamoxifen
appears to produce less marked side effects and to be more acceptable to the patient.
How should this medicine be used?
for breast cancer:
The dosage range is 20 to 40mg daily given either in divided doses twice
daily or as a single dose once daily. In early disease, it is currently
recommended that treatment is given for not less than 5 years. The optimal
duration of tamoxifen therapy remains to be determined.
for endometrial cancer:
The dosage range is 20 to 40mg daily given either in divided doses twice
daily or as a single dose once daily.
What side effects can this medication cause?
The side
effects include:
- increased bone or tumor pain
- upset stomach
- swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
- vaginal discharge
- extreme fatigue
- hot flashes
- blood clots
- dizziness
- depression
- headache
- decrease in sex drive (in men)
- thinning of the hair
- lost of appetite
- constipation
What special precautions should I follow?
- You should
tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other medications,
including homeopathic remedies.
- You should
tell your doctor if you are taking aminoglutethimide (Cytadren); anticoagulants
like: bromocriptine (Parlodel); warfarin (Coumadin);
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) and letrozole (Aromasin); as these medications
alter the effectiveness of Tamoxifen.
- Do not take Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) if you are pregnant or planning to
become pregnant, as this medication may harm the fetus.
- Breast-
feeding babies is not allowed.
- tell your doctor if you have a
history of liver disease of high levels of cholesterol.
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