Nolvadex

tamoxifen

Many women who suffer from breast cancer administer tamoxifen; alternatively they are struck with cancer in other body parts like uterus, stroke or blood clot in lungs. As some of these incidences are fatal, it is wise to contact the physician as soon as you find some of the symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal menstrual period, pressure or pain in the groins, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough up blood, vision and speech problem, confusion etc. It is wise to discuss the use of tamoxifen if you are at a high risk of gaining breast cancer or ductal carcinoma.

Nolvadex (tamoxifen) is used for treating breast cancer that has spread to other body parts. It is also used as a combination therapy along with other medicines for treating other forms of breast cancer. Nolvadex can also be used for other conditions, which is decided by the doctor.

Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen drug, which works by blocking the effect of estrogen on tumor cells. This prevents the effect of tumor cells activated by estrogens.

It is advisable not to use tamoxifen if you are allergic to any of the drug composition. You also should not use tamoxifen, if you are susceptible to develop clots in the lung, leg, etc. Tamoxifen should also not be used along with warfarin, an anticoagulant drug and anastrozole. You should also not fail to inform your physician if you are pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. Informing your physician about any prescription or non-prescription drug that you are taking will help the doctor to plan your mediation accordingly. High level of calcium in the blood, weakened immune system, low amount of white blood cells or platelets also affect your drug reaction in the body. It is also advisable to inform your physician if you suffer from high levels of cholesterol or lipids, or if you have cataracts or other problems related to eyes.

Administration of cytogenic cancer medication like cisplatin increases the risk of blood clots in the lungs, and hence the drug should not be administered. Rifampin cannot be used with tamoxifen as the drug decreases the effect of tamoxifen. Drugs like fluorouracil or mitomycin increase the virulence of the side effects of the drug. Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, letrozole decrease the effect of the drug. It is recommended consulting the physician before the start or end of medication in order to avoid complications in the future.

Tamoxifen should be used as per the instruction of the doctor. The label as well as the medication guide has to be checked for the dosage amount. The drug an also be administered orally with water or food, however, the drug should not be chewed or broken in the mouth before swallowing. The dosage is important, and the drug has to be completed for the entire course irrespective of how you feel in between the course. When you happen to miss a dose, consume it before the time of second dose, however; you cannot take both the doses together. It is wise to consult your physician if you still have any queries.

The drug tamoxifen causes dizziness and is still worse if it is consumed with alcohol or some contra-medications. It is safe not to perform any hard tasks until you know how you react to the drug. As tamoxifen reduces the platelet cells, therefore, avoid activities that may cause injury. It is seen sometimes that new tumors occur other parts of the body, however, the relation between tamoxifen and tumor cell is not proved. Tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer, however, breast examination, mammogram, gynecological examination is must before administering the drug. Tamoxifen must be used extremely cautiously along children. Pregnant and breast feeding others should avoid tamoxifen as it affects the fetus.

Bone pain, constipation, cough, muscle pains, nausea, weakness, weight loss are some of the common side effects of the drug. In addition, severe allergic reactions like rashes, hives, itching, mouth, lips, tongue swelling, are also commonly seen. Other side effects like skin peeling, shortness of breath, stomach pain, swelling of joints can also be seen. Pigmentation of skin, eyes, is also rarely seen.

In case of overdose, you can contact your local poison control emergency ward as early as possible. Symptoms like seizure, tremor, difficulty in breathing, and walking signals overdose problem.

Tamoxifen should be stored in temperature between 20 to 25 degree Celsius air tight containers. Storing them from moisture, heat and light preserves the active ingredient in the drug. The drug should also not be stored in bathrooms and should be discarded after the expiry date. Keep them away from children, as well.