What is Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen blocks the effects of oestrogen, which is a female hormone. Certain kinds of breast cancer need oestrogen to grow. Tamoxifen can be used to treat certain types of breast cancer in both women and men. Tamoxifen can also be used to decrease the chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in cases where she is at high risk (such as having a background of cancers like breast).
Warnings
Take note that taking tamoxifen can increase the chance of uterine cancer and liver cancer strokes, as well as a blood clot within the lung, which could cause death. ,Do not take tamoxifen when you are pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby. Utilise a barrier type of birth control (such as diaphragms or condoms with spermicide) when you are taking this drug and for at least two months following the end of your treatment. Do not take tamoxifen in the event that you are allergic to it, if you've been diagnosed with blood clots that have formed in your lungs or in your veins, or if you are using a blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin).
Before you start using this medication, consult your physician if you have liver disease or high triglycerides (a type of fat that is found in the blood), as well as cataracts in the past or a history of stroke or blood clots. Also, inform your doctor if you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
If you're taking tamoxifen to lower your chances of getting breast cancer, then you might need to take your first dose when you're experiencing menstrual cycles. You might also have to undergo a pregnancy test prior to the time you begin taking this medication to ensure that you're not pregnant. Follow the instructions of your doctor.
To ensure that the medication you are taking isn't producing harmful consequences, your doctor might recommend mammograms and routine breast self-exams. Your liver function could also require testing. Visit your doctor regularly.
Before you take this medicine
It is not recommended to use tamoxifen when you are allergic to it. Tamoxifen can harm a baby who is not yet born. You may need an ultrasound test to be sure you're not pregnant. Take birth control when you are taking Tamoxifen for at least two months following the last dose. Consult your physician if you become pregnant. To avoid pregnancy when using Tamoxifen, use an alternative form of birth control, such as a diaphragm, condom, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Avoid hormonal birth control products, such as birth pills, injectables, skin patches, and vaginal rings.
You shouldn't take tamoxifen to decrease the risk of breast cancer if you use warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
To ensure that tamoxifen is appropriate for you, consult your physician if you suffer from:
- A blood clot or stroke;
- Liver disease;
- High cholesterol or triglycerides (a kind of fat found in the blood);
- cataracts;
- chemotherapy or
- if you also use anastrozole or letrozole.
The use of tamoxifen could increase your chance of developing uterine cancer, stroke, cancer of the liver, or a blood clot within the lung, which could cause death. Consult your doctor about the risks you face. Avoid breastfeeding when taking tamoxifen and for at least three months following the last dose.This medication is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Tamoxifen?
Follow the exact dosage of Tamoxifen as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all the medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the syringe that comes with it or a device for measuring doses (not an ordinary spoon). Eat with or without It's possible that you'll need to keep the medication for between 5 and 10 years. Make sure you have regular physical examinations and mammograms. You can also examine the breasts to detect lumps and bumps on a regular basis when you are taking tamoxifen. This medicine may affect the outcomes of certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of tamoxifen. Keep at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Don't refrigerate or freeze. Get rid of any remaining liquid medicine within 3 months of opening the bottle for the first time.
What happens If I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Side effects of Tamoxifen
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Tamoxifen, such as itching, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue, Tamoxifen increases the chance of suffering from strokes and blood clots. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Symptoms of stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness, extreme headaches, and slurred speech. difficulties with balance or vision;
- Indications for a blood clot within the lung: chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden coughing, fainting, bleeding from the chest,
- Indications for a blood clot that is deep within the body, including swelling, pain, or a warm sensation within one leg.
Contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:
- Vaginal bleeding that is unusual
- Blurred vision, eyes, redness, or pain blurred vision, halos of light around the eyes;
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Discomfort or pressure in your pelvic region;
- A new breast lump has appeared.
- Liver issues The symptoms include nausea. nausea, stomach pain Itching, fatigue, nausea, and a loss of appetite dark urine, stools that are clay-coloured, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), or
- High blood calcium: fatigue, confusion, nausea nausea, nausea, constipation, more thirst or urination, losing weight
Common tamoxifen side effects are:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge;
- Hot Flashes;
- Increase in weight and swelling
- Nausea; or
- Mood shifts.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other things could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:
The metastatic form of breast cancer for both genders
20 to 40 mg daily for 5 years. Doses that exceed 20 mg should be administered in two doses (morning and evening).
DCIS after radiation and breast surgery
20 mg daily orally for 5 years
To decrease the risk of breast cancer among women who are at risk of developing breast cancer:
20 mg daily orally for 5 years
Comments:
There is no evidence to justify any use of this medication beyond five years.
Uses:
metastatic breast cancer for both men and women. Premenopausal women who have advanced breast cancer treatment can use it as an alternative to oophorectomy or radiation. Women whose tumours have oestrogen receptors are more likely to benefit.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A condition in women suffering from DCIS after radiation and breast surgery to decrease the risk of developing invasive breast cancer.
Reduction in breast cancer incidence among high-risk women In order to decrease the incidence of breast cancer among women who are at high risk. "High risk" is defined as women who are at least 35 years old and have a 5-year projected chance of developing breast cancer that is greater than or equivalent to 1.67 percent, as calculated using the Gail Model. Gail Model.
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer—Adjuvant:
20 mg daily, orally, and 10 mg taken orally twice daily.
Therapy duration: up to 5 years
Comments:
There is no evidence to suggest any use for this medication beyond five years.
Use: In the treatment of breast cancers that are node-positive in postmenopausal females following total mastectomy, segmental mastectomy, or axillary dissection and breast radiation.
Usual Paediatric Dose for McCune-Albright Syndrome:
Girls between 2 and 10 years old who suffer from McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty
20 mg once a day, orally
The duration of treatment: up to 12 months
Use: McCune-Albright Syndrome; precocious puberty
Usual Paediatric Dose for Precocious Puberty:
Girls between 2 and 10 years old suffering from McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty
20 mg taken orally, once a day
The duration of treatment: up to 12 months
Use: McCune-Albright Syndrome; precocious puberty
Interaction with other drugs
There are many drugs that are incompatible with tamoxifen. Certain drugs shouldn't be used simultaneously. Discuss with your doctor all the other medications you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbs. Not all interactions are included in this list.
