Tamoxifen tablets
What do tamoxifen tablets do?
TAMOXIFEN (Nolvadex(R)) blocks the effects of the estrogen hormone in the body and is used to treat breast cancer in both men and women. Tamoxifen may also be used to prevent breast cancer in certain women with a high risk of developing breast cancer. Generic tamoxifen tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take tamoxifen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood clots
• blood disorders
• cataracts or impaired eyesight
• endometriosis, uterine fibroids
• high calcium levels
• high cholesterol
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tamoxifen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take tamoxifen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take tamoxifen with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then take the next dose as usual. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What other medicines can interact with tamoxifen?
• chemotherapy agents
• dietary supplements like black cohosh, chasteberry, melatonin, or soy isoflavones
• warfarin
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase or decrease the effect of tamoxifen.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking tamoxifen?
Some side effects will only apply to women.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• changes in vision
• confusion
• difficulty walking or talking
• difficulty breathing
• excessive thirst
• new breast lumps
• numbness
• pain in the legs
• pelvic pain or pressure
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• swelling of the legs and feet
• swelling of lips, face, or tongue
• sudden chest pain
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• weakness
• yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin
More common:
• vaginal bleeding
• changes in your menstrual cycle
• changes in vaginal discharge
• nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bone pain
• fatigue
• headache
• hair loss, although uncommon and is usually mild
• hot flashes
• impotence (in men)
• pain at tumor site
• weight loss