Tamoxifen
(Tamoxifen)Tamoxifen Overview
Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer. It is also used to reduce the chances of breast cancer in high-risk patients. Tamoxifen can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue.
Tamoxifen Warnings
Tamoxifen has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) strokes, blood clots in the lungs/legs, and cancer of the uterus. If you are taking tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer, or if your cancer is limited to the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ-DCIS), then discuss the benefits and risks of taking Tamoxifen with your doctor. However, if you are taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, then the benefits of taking tamoxifen are greater than the risks of side effects. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of a stroke or blood clots in the lungs/legs, such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, shortness of breath, chest pain, or calf pain/swelling. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of cancer of the uterus, such as unusual changes in your monthly period (such as the amount or timing of bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel).
How to Use Tamoxifen
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tamoxifen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Tamoxifen by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily for 5 years, or as directed by your doctor. Daily dosages greater than 20 milligrams are usually divided 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 because you may not get the correct dose. Dosage of Tamoxifen is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The duration of treatment to prevent cancer from returning may be between 5 to 10 years, depending on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use Tamoxifen regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. 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 as you start taking tamoxifen. In some cases, this may be a sign of a good response to the medication. Symptoms include increased bone pain, increased tumor size, or even new tumors. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. Always tell your doctor right away about these symptoms. Since Tamoxifen can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Tamoxifen or breathe the dust from the tablets. (See also Precautions section.) Inform your doctor right away if your condition worsens (such as you get new breast lumps).
Tamoxifen Precautions
Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Tamoxifen may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease. Before having surgery (especially breast reconstruction), tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using tamoxifen. Tamoxifen may harm an unborn baby. Women using Tamoxifen should ask about reliable non-hormonal forms of birth control (such as condoms, diaphragms with spermicide) during treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment. Men using Tamoxifen should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of Tamoxifen. It is unknown if Tamoxifen passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Tamoxifen and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Tamoxifen Misdose
If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Tamoxifen Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.anastrozole, "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), estrogens, letrozole, hormonal forms of birth control (such as birth control pills, patches, implants), ribociclib. Other medications can affect the removal of tamoxifen from your body, which may affect how tamoxifen works. Examples include butalbital, cimetidine, mitotane, rifamycins (such as rifampin), secobarbital, SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), among others. Tamoxifen may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Tamoxifen.
Tamoxifen Side Effects
Hot flashes, nausea, leg cramps, muscle aches, hair thinning, headache, and numb/tingling skin may occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest may occur in men. If these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that Tamoxifen has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Tamoxifen do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,vision changes (such as blurred vision), eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). A very serious allergic reaction to Tamoxifen is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Tamoxifen Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If you are using the liquid, do not refrigerate or freeze it. After you open the bottle, discard any unused liquid after 3 months. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Tamoxifen when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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