Drug name
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
Drug Instruction
Nolvadex is prescribed for the treatment of breast cancer which has already spread to other sites in the body.
Intake Instructions
Please use the medicine under you health care provider’s strict control. Necessarily perform a check up of the label on the medicine for learning exact dosing instructions.
Nolvadex may be taken by mouth with food or without it.
Make sure to intake the medicine with water or another nonalcoholic liquid.
Swallow this medication whole. Please note that breaking, crushing chewing the medicine before swallowing is not recommended.
Continue to take the medicine even if you feel actual improvement. Note that missing any doses is not recommended. Taking Nolvadex at fixed times every day will assist you to remember to take it. Ask your health care provider for more questions you may have about the use and safety instructions of Nolvadex.
Drug Category and Mechanism
Nolvadex represents a category of an antiestrogen. It effects by blocking the effect of estrogen on certain categories of tumors. This may occur in prevention of the growth of swelling which are activated by estrogen.
Missed Dose
Should you miss a dose of this medicine please take it asap. If you find you have missed the previous dosage when it is almost time for your next dose, you should better skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Taking double or extra doses at once is not recommended. If more than one dose is missed, please contact your attending medical doctor or health care provider.
Storage Instructions
The best conditions to keep the medicine is at 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C. The container where the medicine is stored should be tightly closed. It should be also strictly protected from moisture, heat and light. Please keep the medicine away from children and pets.
Safety Precautions
Taking the medicine is not recommended in case:
you have allergic reactions to any component in Nolvadex;
you are passing the treatment with Nolvadex to decrease your risk of breast cancer and you have a history of blood clots in the lung or leg;
you are prescribed to use Nolvadex to decrease the risk of breast cancer and you also take certain categories of anticoagulants (eg, warfarin);
you are taking anastrozole.
Please inform your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the below – provided are applicable to you:
Crucial information:
Nolvadex may decrease the quantity of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Please possibly avoid activities which are liable to cause bruising or injury. Inform your health care provider if you have uncommon bruising or bleeding. Also inform your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
Nolvadex may decrease the ability of your body to clear up infection. Stay away from contact with people who have colds or infections. Also inform your health acre provider if you notice signs of infection like an abnormally high body temperature, sore throat, rash, or chills.
New tumors have occurred in body sites differing from the uterus in patients taking Nolvadex. It is yet not explored if Nolvadex may be the cause. Please make sure to consult your health care provider if any questions or concerns about the medicine and its side effects.
Women who take Nolvadex to possible decrease the risk of breast cancer should have a breast exam, mammogram, as well as gynecological exam before starting and during treatment with Nolvadex.
Women who are liable to become pregnant should start taking Nolvadex during a menstrual period. Women who have uncommon menstrual periods should have a pregnancy test just before starting taking the medicine. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about the intake of Nolvadex and other instructions.
Women who may become pregnant should necessarily use effective nonhormonal birth control (eg, condoms, diaphragm) during sexual intercourse at the period they are taking Nolvadex and for 2 months after they stop treatment with it. Please do not use hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills); it may have not demonstrated necessary effects as well while you are taking Nolvadex. Please consult your health care provider for any questions about effective nonhormonal birth control.
Nolvadex is not liable to prevent you from becoming pregnant.
Please note that Lab tests, involving breast exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, entire blood counts, as well as liver function tests, may be executed while you use the medicine. These tests may be prescribed to control your medical conditions or check for side effects. Make certain to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Nolvadex should be prescribed with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been yet explored.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Nolvadex may cause damage to the fetus. Please do not become pregnant while you are using the medicine and for 2 months after you stop the treatment with Nolvadex. In case you think you may be pregnant, please immediately inform your health care provider. You will need to consult the benefits and risks of using Nolvadex at the time you are pregnant. It is not yet explored if Nolvadex outfalls into breast milk. Please avoid breast-feeding at the period of taking Nolvadex.
Probable Side Effects
Please discuss with your health care provider if any of the mentioned most COMMON side effects afterglow or become or causing bother:
bone pain; constipation weariness; coughing; hot flashes; muscle pain; emesis; vaginal disfunctions; weight loss.
Please inform your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the below – provided are applicable to you:
austere allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; hard breathing; tenseness in the chest; tumor of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; uncommon frog-in-the-throat); uncommon menstrual periods; uncommon vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge; chest pain; blood while coughing up; black urine; low levelled sexual desire or ability; state of being depressed; an abnormally high body temperature, chills, or resistant sore throat; groin or pelvic pain or pressure; appetite loss; loss of balance or coordination; missed or menstrual period; new or high level of breast swelling or pain; new or uncommon lumps; one-sided weariness; pain or tumor in one or both legs; red, swollen, blistered, or husking skin; austere or persistent weariness or weakness; hard breathing; skin changes; stomach pain; sudden austere headache; swelling of the arms or the legs; uncommon bleeding or bruising; changes in vision or speech; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Extra Information
An important note: This medicine is for you only. Sharing this medicine with others is not recommended.
Please consult your health care provider for more clarifications on medicine use and its safety instructions.
If do not feel the actual improvement of symptoms or they even become worse, please perform an immediate check up with your doctor.