In our days are known some types of breast cancer, and some special
types of this disease request a high level of estrogen hormone.
Tamoxifen is indicated in averting and treating types of breast
cancer.
How the Tamoxifen acts?
The Tamoxifen blocks the growing
of levels of the female hormone and its actions.
Tamoxifen is also indicated in other aims which not write in this
guide for medication.
If you are taking tamoxifen to reduce your risk of breast cancer,
you may need to take your first dose while you are having a menstrual
period. You may also need to have a pregnancy test before you
start taking tamoxifen, to make sure you are not pregnant. Follow
your doctor?s instructions.
Taking tamoxifen may increase your risk of uterine cancer, stroke,
or a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal. Talk with your
doctor about your specific risks in taking tamoxifen.
To be sure tamoxifen is not causing harmful effects, your doctor
may want you to have mammograms and to perform routine breast
self exams on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need
to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Before taking tamoxifen
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tamoxifen.
Before using tamoxifen, tell your doctor if you are allergic
to any drugs, or if you have:
- liver disease;
- high levels of triglycerides (fatty acids) in your blood;
- a history of stroke or blood clot;
- a history of cataract; or
- if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Taking tamoxifen may increase your risk of uterine cancer, stroke,
or a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal. Talk with your
doctor about your specific risks in taking tamoxifen. FDA pregnancy
category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.
Do not use tamoxifen without your doctor?s consent if you are
pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Use a non-hormonal of birth control (such as a condom or a diaphragm
and spermicide) while you are using tamoxifen and for 2 months
after your treatment ends. It is not known whether tamoxifen passes
into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. This medication
may also slow breast milk production. Do not use tamoxifen without
telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take tamoxifen?
Take tamoxifen exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take
the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended
by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take tamoxifen with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Tamoxifen can be taken with or without food.
If you are taking tamoxifen to reduce your risk of breast cancer,
you may need to take your first dose while you are having a menstrual
period. You may also need to have a pregnancy test before you
start taking tamoxifen, to make sure you are not pregnant. Follow
your doctor?s instructions.
It is important to use tamoxifen regularly to get the most benefit.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine
completely. You may need to keep using tamoxifen for up to 5 years.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your
doctor may want you to have mammograms and to perform routine
breast self exams on a regular basis. Your liver function may
also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your
doctor.
Store tamoxifen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine
at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too
much of this medicine.
An overdose of tamoxifen is not expected to produce life-threatening
symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking tamoxifen?
Follow your doctor?s instructions about any restrictions on food,
beverages, or activity while you are using tamoxifen.
Tamoxifen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of
an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of
your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using tamoxifen and call your doctor at once if you have
any of these serious side effects:
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or
balance;
- chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood;
- pain or swelling in one or both legs;
- unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge;
- irregular menstrual periods;
- pain or pressure in your pelvic area;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
- new breast lumps; or
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
- hot flashes, warmth or tingly feeling under your skin;
- bone, joint, or tumor pain;
- redness or skin changes;
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- vaginal itching or dryness;
- depressed mood, weakness;
- weight loss;
- nausea;
- cough, sore throat;
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
- headache, dizziness; or
- thinning hair.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect tamoxifen?
Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor if you are taking:
- letrozole (Femara);
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
- aminoglutethimide (Cytadren);
- bromocriptine (Parlodel);
- anastrozole (Arimidex); or
- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can
interact with tamoxifen. Tell your doctor about all the prescription
and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about tamoxifen.
