Tamoxifen
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
Definite
Pharmaceutical Class
Estrogen Agonist/Antagonist
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Tamoxifen
Summary
Tamoxifen is used to treat and prevent breast cancer. It is particularly effective for cancers that require estrogen to grow. It is also used to lower the chances of breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
Tamoxifen works by acting like and unlike estrogen at the same time, confusing cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. In some parts of the body, it acts like estrogen, while in others, it blocks estrogen.
Tamoxifen is usually taken as a pill, with adults typically prescribed a daily dose of 20 milligrams. It is generally prescribed for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of cancer.
Common side effects of Tamoxifen include hot flashes, mood swings, and unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. More serious but less common side effects include liver trouble, blood clots, stroke, and uterine problems.
Tamoxifen can seriously harm your liver and may cause uterine cancer or blood clots. It is not safe during pregnancy. Before taking it, a pregnancy test is needed and birth control pills should not be used. Breastfeeding is not recommended during and for three months after treatment.
Indications and Purpose
How does Tamoxifen work?
Tamoxifen is a medicine that works differently depending on where it is in the body. In some places, it acts like estrogen, and in others, it blocks estrogen. It's used to fight breast cancer that needs estrogen to grow. It can also help women at high risk of breast cancer to lower their chances of getting it. You shouldn't take it if you're allergic to it or pregnant.
Is Tamoxifen effective?
Tamoxifen is a drug that can help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk. It works by blocking estrogen, a hormone that can fuel some breast cancers. Studies have shown it's helpful, but some studies haven't found a benefit. This might be because those studies were different from others in how they were set up and who was involved.
What is Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is a pill that helps prevent breast cancer in women at high risk. It works by acting like and unlike estrogen, stopping estrogen from fueling breast cancer growth in some cases. It comes in two strengths and must be taken exactly as a doctor directs. Talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you, as there are benefits and risks to consider.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Tamoxifen?
Take the medicine tamoxifen every day for five years, but only stop if your doctor tells you to.
How do I take Tamoxifen?
Take the pill whole with water or another drink that isn't alcohol. It's okay to take it with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember. If you forget, take it right away, then go back to your normal schedule. Don't take two pills at once.
How long does it take for Tamoxifen to start working?
Tamoxifen generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks to reach steady-state plasma concentrations and begin showing therapeutic effects, although some patients may notice benefits sooner
How should I store Tamoxifen?
Keep this medicine in a cool, dry place, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Put it in a tightly closed container that blocks out light. Make sure children can't get to it.
What is the usual dose of Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is a medicine for breast cancer. Adults usually take 20 milligrams a day. Taking more than that doesn't help. Doctors prescribe it for 5 to 10 years, sometimes less depending on the type of cancer.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Tamoxifen with other prescription drugs?
Tamoxifen is a medication that can interact badly with other drugs. When taken with blood thinners like coumadin, it makes the blood thinner even stronger, so regular blood tests are needed to prevent excessive bleeding. Using tamoxifen with cancer drugs (cytotoxic agents) can increase the chances of blood clots. It also lowers the levels of another cancer drug called letrozole in the body, meaning letrozole might not work as well. How it interacts with other cancer drugs isn't fully known.
Can Tamoxifen be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Tamoxifen is a medicine that can harm babies who are breastfeeding. The medicine can get into the breast milk and cause serious problems for the baby. To keep the baby safe, women who take tamoxifen should not breastfeed.
Can Tamoxifen be taken safely while pregnant?
Tamoxifen is a medicine that's not safe to take during pregnancy. Even though there aren't enough human studies, the animal studies show a strong link between tamoxifen and problems for the unborn baby. There's also a worry about long-term health issues for the child similar to those seen with a drug called DES. Because of these risks, doctors strongly advise against taking tamoxifen if you're pregnant or might become pregnant.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Tamoxifen?
Moderate alcohol consumption does not significantly impact tamoxifen's effectiveness but should be approached cautiously as excessive alcohol can exacerbate side effects like liver toxicity or gastrointestinal issues. Always consult a healthcare provider regarding alcohol use while on medication
Is it safe to exercise while taking Tamoxifen?
Regular exercise is typically safe while taking tamoxifen and can help manage side effects like fatigue and weight gain. However, patients should listen to their bodies and consult their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it's appropriate for their health status while on this medication
Is Tamoxifen safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may experience increased sensitivity to tamoxifen's side effects; therefore, careful monitoring is advised when prescribing this medication to older adults
Who should avoid taking Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is a strong medicine with serious risks. It can harm your liver, possibly even fatally, and may cause uterine cancer or blood clots, which can also be life-threatening, especially if you're also having chemotherapy. Before taking it, you need a pregnancy test, and you shouldn't use birth control pills or breastfeed during and for three months after treatment. Regular checkups with your gynecologist are also important.
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