Tamoxifen

BRAND NAMES:

In the U.S.

• Nolvadex
  

BRAND NAMES:
In Canada

• Apo-Tamox
• Gen-Tamoxifen
• Nolvadex
• Nolvadex-D
• Novo-Tamoxifen
• PMS-Tamoxifen
• Tamofen
• Tamone

Description Tamoxifen ( ta-MOX-i-fen) is a medicine that blocks the effects of the estrogen hormone in the body. It is used to treat breast cancer in women or men. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.

Tamoxifen also may be used to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Women at high risk for developing breast cancer are at least 35 years of age and have a combination of risk factors that make their chance of developing breast cancer 1.67% or more over the next 5 years. Your doctor will help to determine your risk of developing breast cancer.

• The following are risk factors that may increase your chance of developing breast cancer: If you have close family members (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer
  
• If you have ever had a breast biopsy or if high-risk changes in your breast(s) have been found from a breast biopsy
  
• If you have never been pregnant or if your first pregnancy occurred at a late age
  
• If your first menstrual period occurred at an early age
  

The exact way that tamoxifen works against cancer is not known, but it may be related to the way it blocks the effects of estrogen on the body.

Before you begin treatment with tamoxifen, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Tamoxifen is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

• Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  

Proper Use of This Medicine
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may not improve your condition.

Tamoxifen sometimes causes mild nausea and vomiting. However, it may have to be taken for several weeks or months to be effective. Even if you begin to feel ill, do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.