|
Tamoxifen Drug Info
Generic name: Tamoxifen citrate
Brand names: Nolvadex
Why is Tamoxifen citrate prescribed?
Nolvadex, an anticancer drug, is given to treat
breast cancer. It also has proved effective when
cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Nolvadex
is most effective in stopping the kind of breast
cancer that thrives on estrogen.
Nolvadex is also prescribed to reduce the risk of
invasive breast cancer following surgery and radiation
therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ. The drug can
also be used to reduce the odds of breast cancer
in women at high risk of developing the disease.
It does not completely eliminate your chances, but
in a five-year study of over 1,500 high-risk women,
it slashed the number of cases by 44 percent.
Most important fact about Tamoxifen citrate?
Although Nolvadex reduces the risk of breast cancer,
it increases othe possibility of developing endometrial
(uterine) cancer. Women taking Nolvadex should have
routine gynecological examinations and report any
abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual periods,
change in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure
to the doctor immediately. Even after Nolvadex therapy
has stopped, any abnormal vaginal bleeding should
be reported at once.
How should you take Tamoxifen citrate?
Take Nolvadex exactly as prescribed. Do not stop
taking Tamoxifen citrate without first consulting
your doctor. It may be necessary to continue taking
the drug for several years.
--If you miss a dose...
Do not try to make it up.
Go back to your regular schedule with the next dose.
--Storage instructions...
Nolvadex may be stored at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects from Nolvadex are usually mild and
rarely require the drug to be stopped. If any develop
or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon
as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Nolvadex.
More common side effects may include:
Hot flashes, nausea, vomiting
Why should Tamoxifen citrate not be prescribed?
Do not take Nolvadex if you are sensitive to it
or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
If you are taking the blood-thinning drug Coumadin
or have had problems with clots in your veins or
your lungs, you should not take Nolvadex to reduce
the risk of breast cancer, and when taking it to
treat an actual case of the disease, you should use
it with caution.
|