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Tamoxifen

Information about Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen Uses

Tamoxifen is used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

How Tamoxifen works

Tamoxifen is a hormone-based medication. It works by binding to estrogen receptors and blocking the effects of estrogen (a natural female hormone) in the breast tissue. This slows down the growth and multiplication of breast cancer cells.

Common side effects of Tamoxifen

Vaginal discharge, Fatigue, Nausea, Skin rash, Vaginal bleeding, Constipation, Fluid retention, Hot flushes, Hair loss, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fibroid, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Hypersensitivity, Ischemic cerebrovascular events, Headache, Lightheadedness, Sensory disturbance, Cataract, Retinopathy, Thromboembolic events, Abnormal liver enzyme, Fatty liver disease, Leg cramps, Muscle pain, Vaginal itching, Endometrial changes, Increased triglyceride level in blood

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

09 Oct 2024 | 09:29 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Tamoxifen

FineovaAkumentis Healthcare Ltd

₹3281 variant(s)

MamofenKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd

₹24 to ₹292 variant(s)

CytotamCipla Ltd

₹19 to ₹262 variant(s)

TamteroHetero Drugs Ltd

₹351 variant(s)

ValodexSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd

₹15 to ₹1383 variant(s)

CaditamCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹24 to ₹322 variant(s)

TamoxilonCelon Laboratories Ltd

₹20 to ₹322 variant(s)

EntaxNeon Laboratories Ltd

₹17 to ₹292 variant(s)

CamofenEast West Pharma

₹23 to ₹272 variant(s)

OncomoxSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹201 variant(s)

Expert advice for Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen helps treat breast cancer.
It also reduces the risk of cancer coming back and of getting cancer in the other breast.
Use a reliable barrier contraceptive method (such as condoms) to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for 2 months after you stop taking it.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if your periods become irregular, especially if associated with heavier bleeding.
Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions for Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Q. What is Tamoxifen and for what it is used for?

Tamoxifen is a medicine, which works against estrogen, a female sex hormone. It is used in the treatment of estrogen dependent breast cancer in women. It may also be used in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer in males.

Q. How and in what dose should I use Tamoxifen?

Take it as per the advice of your doctor. The number of doses you take each day and the duration depends on your medical problem. Take your tablet at about the same time every day to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body. You can take it with or without food. Treatment with Tamoxifen may be long term and you may require to take it for several years.

Q. What if I forget to take Tamoxifen?

If you forget to take a dose of Tamoxifen, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near to your next dose, skip it and follow your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the forgotten one.

Q. What if I stop taking Tamoxifen?

Do not stop taking Tamoxifen, even if you start feeling well, unless your doctor tells you. Stopping it early may increase the risk of breast cancer coming back.

Q. What are the common side effects of using Tamoxifen?

The most common side effects associated with Tamoxifen include menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation, loss of sex drive and mood changes. It may also cause fluid retention, vaginal discharge, indigestion, nausea, and changes in your periods. If any of these bother you, consult with your doctor.