Breast cancer is treated with Nolvadex, also known by its generic name, tamoxifen. It is also applied in patients at high risk for developing breast cancer. This drug can slow the spread of breast cancer. It functions by obstructing estrogen’s effects on breast tissue.
Tamoxifen may be administered to patients with lymph node-negative or lymph node-positive breast cancer as adjuvant therapy (medication provided after a successful operation).
Tamoxifen is more likely to be effective against cancers with positive estrogen and progesterone receptors. Tamoxifen lowers your chance of developing breast cancer in the opposite breast.
Both men and women with metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer may be taken tamoxifen.
Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who have had surgery and radiation therapy may be prescribed tamoxifen. The possibility of invasive breast cancer is decreased by tamoxifen. In this situation, the risks and advantages of tamoxifen medication should be considered.
Women at a high risk of breast cancer may be taken tamoxifen to lower their risk of getting the disease. In this situation, the risks and advantages of tamoxifen medication should be considered.
Ovarian cancer may also be treated with tamoxifen prescriptions.
Physicians may decide to utilize a medicine that has been approved for one use for another if they think it will be beneficial.
Rarely, tamoxifen has been linked to uterine cancer, blood clots in the lungs or legs, and very serious (potentially deadly) strokes. Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of taking this drug if you are taking tamoxifen to lower your chance of developing breast cancer or if your cancer is localized to your milk ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS).
If you experience signs of a stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs, such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, abrupt vision changes, confusion, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or calf pain/swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have any signs of uterine cancer, such as odd changes in your monthly period (such as the amount or timing of bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or pain or pressure below your “belly button,” see your doctor right away.
You may suffer higher bone/cancer pain once you begin taking tamoxifen if your breast cancer has spread to other regions of your body, as well as a flare-up of your condition. This can indicate a positive reaction to the medicine in some circumstances.
Some symptoms are increased bone discomfort, larger tumors, or brand-new tumors. Usually, these symptoms go away fast. Always inform your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms.
Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the pills because it can be absorbed via the skin and lungs.
If your situation worsens, call your doctor immediately (such as if you get new breast lumps).
Side Effects
There could be hot flashes, nausea, cramps in the legs or muscles, hair thinning, headaches, or numb/tingling skin. Men may lose their sexual prowess or interest. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if these side effects continue or get worse.
Keep in mind that your doctor has recommended this medication because they believe it will benefit you more than it will harm you. Many users of this medicine report no significant negative effects.
Inform your doctor right away if you experience any severe side effects, such as blurred vision, eye pain, easy bleeding or bruising, mental or mood changes, swelling in the ankles or feet, unusual fatigue, infection symptoms (fever, persistent sore throat), or liver disease symptoms (constant nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine).
This medication will rarely cause a very serious allergic reaction. However, if you experience any major adverse reaction symptoms, such as a rash, itching, or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
The list of potential negative effects is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not covered above.
Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies before taking tamoxifen and any other medical conditions you may have. Inactive chemicals in this product have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. To learn more, speak with your pharmacist.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before taking this medication, especially of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke), high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, difficulty walking or being immobile, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, or liver disease.
Inform your surgeon or dentist of all the products you consume before surgery, particularly breast reconstruction (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Tamoxifen usage should not be combined with pregnancy.
Tamoxifen may be harmful to an unborn child. When using this medicine and for two months after stopping it, women should inquire about trustworthy non-hormonal birth control methods (such as condoms and spermicide-containing diaphragms).
Men should inquire about effective birth control methods when using this drug and for six months after stopping it. Consult your doctor right away about the dangers and advantages of this drug if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
If this drug enters breast milk is unknown. Breastfeeding is not advised while using this medication and for three months after completing therapy due to the potential harm to the baby. Before breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
Drug interactions can alter how well your prescriptions function or raise your chance of experiencing major adverse effects. All probable medication interactions are not included in this document.
Keep a list of everything you use, including herbal products, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications, and provide it to your doctor and pharmacist. Without your doctor’s approval, never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications.
Anastrozole, “blood thinners” (like warfarin), estrogens, letrozole, hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills, patches, and implants), and ribociclib are a few products that may interact with this medication.
Tamoxifen’s ability to leave your body can be impacted by other medications, which could change how well it functions.
SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine and paroxetine), secobarbital, mitotane, rifamycins (such as rifampin), St. John’s wort, and medications for treating seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), among others, are examples.
This medicine may affect the findings of some laboratory tests, particularly thyroid tests, leading to potentially inaccurate results. Make sure all of your doctors and the lab staff are aware that you use this medication.
Overdose
Call 911 if someone overdoses and exhibits significant symptoms like fainting out or difficulty breathing. If not, immediately dial a poison control hotline. Call 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control center if you’re a US citizen. Residents of Canada can dial a regional poison control center.
Shaking, shaky walking, fainting, or a fast or irregular heartbeat are all signs of an overdose.
Untaken Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you miss it. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the subsequent dose. At the scheduled time, take your subsequent dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Should I Speak with an Attorney?
If you have developed significant health issues after taking Nolvadex, consult a doctor. You should also get in touch with a qualified class action lawyer who can assist you in defending your legal rights and recovering damages for your injuries.
