Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer who has spread with other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer tumors), to treat breast cancer tumors in certain patients after surgery and radiation therapy, and also to reduce the chances of cancer of the breast in high-risk clients.
This medication can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the consequences of estrogen in the breast tissue.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist you get a refill before you start using tamoxifen and each time. If you have any relevant questions, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by lips with or without food, usually once or twice daily for 5 years, or as directed by your doctor. Day-to-day dosages greater than 20 milligrams are usually split in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon since you may well not obtain the dose that is correct.
Dosage is founded on your condition that is medical and to therapy.
Use this medication frequently to obtain the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
As you start taking tamoxifen if you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience increased bone/cancer pain and/or disease flare-up. This may be a sign of a good response to the medication in some cases. Signs include increased bone discomfort, increased tumor size, or tumors that are even new. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. In any full case, report these symptoms right away to your doctor.
Since this drug can be consumed through the skin and lungs, ladies who are pregnant or whom may become expecting should not manage this medication or breathe the dust through the tablets. (See also Precautions section.)
Inform your doctor right away if the condition worsens (e.g., you obtain new breast lumps).
See section that is also warning.
Hot flashes, sickness, leg cramps, muscle aches, hair loss, frustration, and skin that is numb/tingling occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest might occur in men. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your physician promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of adverse effects. Many people using this medication do not have adverse that is serious.
Tell your medical practitioner right away if any of these unlikely but severe side results happen: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), attention pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, uncommon tiredness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of the unusual but very serious negative effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, indications of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore neck).
A very serious reaction that is allergic this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any observeable symptoms of a serious hypersensitive reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially regarding the face/tongue/throat), serious dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
In the US -
Call your physician for medical advice about unwanted effects. You may report effects that are side FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your medical professional for medical advice about adverse effects. You could report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking tamoxifen, inform your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Confer with your pharmacist for more details.
If you have cancer limited to the milk ducts, or if you are taking this medication to prevent breast cancer, then this medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before making use of this medicine, consult your medical professional or pharmacist if you've got: a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), conditions that require treatment with a "blood thinner" (such as warfarin).
If you have breast cancer and a history of blood clots/stroke, you may or may not be able to take tamoxifen. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Before using this medicine, tell your medical professional or pharmacist your health background, especially of: high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, raised blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease.
Before having surgery (especially breast reconstruction), tell your doctor or dental practitioner about all the products you utilize (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription drugs, and organic items).
This medicine is not advised to be used during pregnancy. It may damage an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should start tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before beginning the medicine. You will need to prevent pregnancy while using this medication and for 2 months after treatment. Women must utilize reliable non-hormonal kinds of delivery control (such as condoms, diaphragms with spermicide) while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping the medication.
Its as yet not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Due to the risk that is potential the baby, breast-feeding just isn't recommended when using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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