Indications
- Tamoxifen is a medicine for breast cancer.
- It’s also used to lower the risk of breast cancer in people at higher risk.
- This medication stops breast cancer from growing by messing up the effects of estrogen in the breast.
Dosage and administration
- Before starting tamoxifen, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily for 5 years. If your daily dose is greater than 20 milligrams, it’s usually divided in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening.
- Measure liquid doses carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon.
- The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. Depending on your condition and response, treatment duration may be between 5 and 10 years.
- Take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day for the best results.
- If you have breast cancer that has spread, you may initially experience increased bone/cancer pain or disease flare-ups. Inform your doctor about these symptoms.
- Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens, such as the development of new breast lumps.
Side effects
- Hot flashes, nausea, leg cramps, muscle aches, hair thinning, headache, and numb/tingling skin may occur while taking tamoxifen. Men may experience a loss of sexual ability/interest. If these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
- Although uncommon, serious side effects may occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience vision changes, eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, signs of infection, or signs of liver disease.
- Seek medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before starting tamoxifen, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues. Discuss your medical history, especially any history of blood clots, high cholesterol/triglycerides, immobility, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, or liver disease.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tamoxifen can harm an unborn baby, so effective birth control methods should be discussed with your doctor during treatment and for a period after stopping treatment. For women, this typically means using non-hormonal forms of birth control during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose. For men, reliable forms of birth control should be used during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. If pregnancy occurs, inform your doctor immediately about the potential risks and benefits of continuing tamoxifen.
- It is uncertain whether tamoxifen passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.