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Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), to treat breast cancer in certain patients after surgery and radiation therapy, and to reduce the chances of breast cancer in high-risk patients.This medication can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue.Tamoxifen may also be used to cause the release of an egg (ovulation) in certain women who are trying to become pregnant.
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Tamoxifen
Uses
Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), to treat breast cancer in certain patients after surgery and radiation therapy, and to reduce the chances of breast cancer in high-risk patients.This medication can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue.Tamoxifen may also be used to cause the release of an egg (ovulation) in certain women who are trying to become pregnant.
Notes
- Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood counts, liver function tests, pelvic exams, mammogram, eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: shaking, unsteady walking, fainting, irregular heartbeat.
How
To Use - Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tamoxifen and each time you get a refill.
- If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily for 5 years, or as directed by your doctor.
- Daily dosages greater than 20 milligrams are usually divided in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.If you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience increased bone/cancer pain and/or disease flare-up as you start taking tamoxifen.
- In some cases, this may be a sign of a good response to the medication.
- Symptoms include increased bone pain, increased tumor size, or even new tumors.
- These symptoms usually disappear quickly.
- In any case, report these symptoms immediately to your doctor.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
- (See also Precautions section.)Inform your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).
Side
Effects - See also Warning section.Hot flashes, nausea, hair thinning, or headache 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 immediately 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 immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, 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, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.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.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
- Women of childbearing age should start tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before starting the medication.It is recommended that men and women using this medication use two effective non-hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and diaphragms with spermicide) while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping the medication.
- Consult your doctor.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.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: anastrozole, letrozole.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tamoxifen.Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), estrogens, hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, patches, implants), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), St John's wort.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid tests), possibly causing false test results.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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| User Medicine
Opinions for Tamoxifen |
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |
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