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Tamoxifen-citrate Drug Info
Generic name: Tamoxifen citrate
Brand names: Nolvadex
Women taking Nolvadex to decrease the risk of developing
breast cancer have developed cancer of the uterus, stroke,
and blood clots in the lung. Some of these events have
been fatal. Contact your doctor right away if you develop
any of the following: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge;
abnormal menstrual period; groin pressure or pain; chest
pain; shortness of breath; coughing up blood; confusion;
one-sided weakness; vision or speech problems.
Women at high risk of breast cancer or with ductal carcinoma
in situ (DCIS) should discuss the use of Nolvadex with
their doctor. Decide if the possible benefits (reducing
the risk of breast cancer) outweigh the risk of these
events. The benefits of Nolvadex outweigh the risks in
women who already have breast cancer.
Nolvadex is used for:
Treating breast cancer that has spread to other sites
in the body. It is also used along with other medicines
to treat other types of breast cancer. It is used in
women who are at high risk for breast cancer and in women
with DCIS (after surgery and radiation) to decrease the
risk of developing breast cancer. It may also be used
for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Nolvadex is an antiestrogen. It works by blocking the
effect of estrogen on certain tumors. This may prevent
the growth of tumors that are activated by estrogen.
Do NOT use Nolvadex if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Nolvadex
you are using Nolvadex to reduce your risk of breast cancer and you have
a history of blood clots in the lung or leg
you are using Nolvadex to reduce your risk of breast cancer and you also
take certain anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
you are taking anastrozole
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away
if any of these apply to you.
Before using Nolvadex :
Some medical conditions may interact with Nolvadex .
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply
to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation,
or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of blood clots in the legs or lungs
if you have high levels of calcium in your blood, a weakened immune system,
or low levels of white blood cells or platelets in your blood
if you have high cholesterol or lipid levels
if you have cataracts or other vision problems
if you are using cytotoxic cancer medicines
if you are confined to a bed or chair
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nolvadex . Tell your
health care provider if you are taking any other medicines,
especially any of the following:
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of
bleeding may be increased
Cytotoxic cancer medicines (eg, cisplatin) because the risk of developing
blood clots may be increased
Rifampin because it may decrease Nolvadex 's effectiveness
Fluorouracil or mitomycin C because they may increase the risk of Nolvadex
's side effects
Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole, letrozole) because their effectiveness
may be decreased by Nolvadex.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions
that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nolvadex
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check
with your health care provider before you start, stop,
or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Nolvadex :
Use Nolvadex as directed by your doctor. Check the label
on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Nolvadex comes with an extra patient information
sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read
it again each time you get Nolvadex refilled.
Nolvadex may be taken by mouth with or without food.
Take Nolvadex with water or another nonalcoholic liquid.
Swallow this medication whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Continue to take Nolvadex even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking
Nolvadex at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
If you miss a dose of Nolvadex , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may
have about how to use Nolvadex
Important safety information:
Nolvadex may cause dizziness. These effects may be
worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.
Use Nolvadex with caution. Do not drive or perform other
possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to
it.
Nolvadex may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your
blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor
if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark,
tarry, or bloody stools.
Nolvadex may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact
with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs
of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
New tumors have occurred in body sites other than the uterus in patients
taking Nolvadex . It is unknown if Nolvadex may be the cause. Discuss any questions
or concerns with your doctor.
Women who take Nolvadex to reduce the risk of breast cancer should have a
breast exam, mammogram, and gynecological exam before starting and during treatment
with Nolvadex .
Women who may become pregnant should begin taking Nolvadex during a menstrual
period. Women who have irregular menstrual periods should have a pregnancy
test immediately before starting Nolvadex . Talk to your doctor if you have
any questions about how to begin taking Nolvadex .
Women who may become pregnant must use effective nonhormonal birth control
(eg, condoms, diaphragm) during sexual intercourse while they are taking Nolvadex
and for 2 months after they stop taking it. Do not use hormonal birth control
(eg, birth control pills); it may not work as well while you are taking Nolvadex
. Discuss any questions about effective nonhormonal birth control with your
doctor.
Nolvadex will not prevent you from becoming pregnant.
Lab tests, including breast exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, complete
blood counts, and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Nolvadex
. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects.
Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Nolvadex should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness
in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Nolvadex may cause harm to the fetus. Do not
become pregnant while you are using it and for 2 months after you stop using
it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to
discuss the benefits and risks of using Nolvadex while you are pregnant. It
is not known if Nolvadex is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while
taking Nolvadex .
Possible side effects of Nolvadex :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people
have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor
if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become
bothersome:
Bone pain; constipation; coughing; hot flashes; muscle
pain; nausea; tiredness; vaginal discharge; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue; unexplained hoarseness); abnormal
menstrual periods; abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody
discharge; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine;
decreased sexual desire or ability; depression; fever,
chills, or persistent sore throat; groin or pelvic pain
or pressure; loss of appetite; loss of balance or coordination;
missed menstrual period; new or increased breast tumor
or pain; new or unusual lumps; one-sided weakness; pain
or swelling in one or both legs; red, swollen, blistered,
or peeling skin; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness;
shortness of breath; skin changes; stomach pain; sudden
severe headache; swelling of the arms or the legs; unusual
bleeding or bruising; vision or speech problems; yellowing
of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that
may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice
about side effects, contact your doctor or health care
provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
(1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of
Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center
(http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms may include exaggerated reflexes;
seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; tremor; trouble
breathing; trouble walking.
Proper storage of Nolvadex :
Store Nolvadex between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25
degrees C) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
Store away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store
in the bathroom. Do not take tablets after the expiration
date printed on the label. Keep Nolvadex out of the reach
of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Nolvadex , please
talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider.
Nolvadex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do
not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your
doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain
all information about Nolvadex . If you have questions
about the medicine you are taking or would like more
information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other
health care provider.
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