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What is the most important information I should know about tamoxifen?
* Nolvadex, an anticancer drug, is given to treatbreast cancer. It also has proved effective when cancer has spread toother parts of the body. Nolvadex is most effective in stopping thekind of breast cancer that thrives on estrogen.
* Nolvadex is also prescribed to reduce the risk of invasivebreast cancer following surgery and radiation therapy for ductalcarcinoma in situ. The drug can also be used to reduce the odds ofbreast cancer in women at high risk of developing the disease. It doesnot completely eliminate your chances, but in a five-year study of over1,500 high-risk women, it slashed the number of cases by 44 percent.
What is tamoxifen? * Tamoxifen blocks the actions of the hormoneestrogen. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.
* Tamoxifen is used to treat and prevent some typesof breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.
* Tamoxifen may also be used for purposes otherthan those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with myhealthcare provider before taking tamoxifen? * Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor if you
- have a history ofdeep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg)
- have a history ofpulmonary thrombosis (blood clot in the lung) or
- take the bloodthinner warfarin (Coumadin).
* You may not be able to take tamoxifen, or you mayrequire a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
* Tamoxifen is in the FDA pregnancy category D.This means that tamoxifen is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Donot take tamoxifen without first talking to your doctor if you arepregnant or could become pregnant during or for two months followingtreatment. Effective nonhormonal contraception (birth control) shouldbe used during and for two months following treatment with tamoxifen.
* It is not known whether tamoxifen passes intobreast milk. Do not take tamoxifen without first talking to your doctorif you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take tamoxifen? * Take tamoxifen exactly as directed by yourdoctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
* Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) ofwater.
* Tamoxifen can be taken with or without food.
* It is important to take tamoxifen regularly toget the most benefit.
* Your doctor may want you to have breast exams (orto perform self breast exams), mammograms, blood tests, or othermedical evaluations during treatment with tamoxifen to monitor progressand side effects.
* Store tamoxifen at room temperature away frommoisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose? * Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed doseand take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a doubledose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
What happens if I overdose? * An overdose of tamoxifen is unlikely to threatenlife. Call an emergency room or a poison control left for advice if yoususpect an overdose.
* Symptoms of a tamoxifen overdose are unknown, butnausea, vomiting, seizures, tremor, or dizziness may be expected.
What should I avoid whiletaking tamoxifen? * There are no restrictions on food, beverages, oractivity during treatment with tamoxifen unless otherwise directed byyour doctor.
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