Tamofen

Brand Name:Apo-tamox, Gen-Tamoxifen, Nolvadex, Nolvadex-D, Novo- Tamoxifen, Tamone

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Tamoxifen is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It works by suppressing estrogen, the female sex hormone. This can slow down the growth rate of a cancerous tumour, and sometimes even shrink it. In cases where a tumour has been surgically removed, tamoxifen may prevent the cancer from returning.

Tamoxifen may be used for other medical conditions. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to tamoxifen or if you have had pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), blood clots in the legs or other blood clotting problems. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • cataracts or other vision problems
  • stroke or heart attack
  • blood disorders
  • problems with your uterus or endometrial lining (lining of the womb)
  • liver problems
  • cancer
  • high cholesterol
  • smoke (may increase risk for blood clots)
  • pregnant or are currently planning to get pregnant
  • limited ability to move around
  • taking blood thinning medication (such as warfarin) to prevent blood clots.

What about possible side effects?

Some common side effects are:

  • hot flushes
  • nausea (try taking with food or at bedtime to reduce upset stomach)

These side effects usually go away with time or with a slower increase to your target dose.

Other less common side effects include:

  • bone or tumour pain (usually temporary)
  • swelling or redness at tumour site (usually temporary)
  • hair loss (temporary)
  • dizziness
  • rash
  • increase in triglyceride cholesterol or lower HDL (good cholesterol)
  • loss of sexual desire or ability (in men)
  • vaginal discharge or itching
  • irregular or absence of menses

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these rare side effects:

  • sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking, numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body (may indicate a stroke).
  • pain in your lower leg or calf, hardened vein, pain or swelling in legs (may indicate a blood clot)
  • chest pain
  • allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • blurry vision or vision problems, cataracts
  • liver side effects: unexplained stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • unexplained sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection (may indicate a condition called leukopenia)
  • any unusual or increase in bruising or bleeding (may indicate a condition of low platelets called thrombocytopenia)
  • heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure
  • new breast lumps

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

Some of the side effects of this medicine may appear after you have stopped using this medicine. Please discuss with your doctor.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking:

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin) – may significantly increase the effect of anticoagulants; monitor blood levels and adjust anticoagulant dose as necessary
  • Bromocriptine- increases levels or toxicity of tamoxifen
  • Red Clover, St. John’s wort -reduces effect of tamoxifen
  • Rifampin- reduces effect of tamoxifen by decreasing tamoxifen levels in the body
  • Anastrozole- reduces effect of anastrozole
  • Cyclophosphamide, Fluorouracil, Methotrexate- increases potential of forming blood clots in the body
  • Letrozole – reduces effect of letrozole
  • Grapefruit juice – may increase tamoxifen toxicity by increasing its levels
  • Other cancer chemotherapy medications – may be affected by tamoxifen or increased side effects
  • Estrogens– may interfere with effect of tamoxifen

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Your doctor may need to make changes or monitor you more closely for side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Effective Birth Control:

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control such as a barrier method (e.g. condoms or a diaphragm) to keep from getting pregnant. Hormonal birth control pills are not generally recommended. Ask your health care provider about the birth control method that is right for you. Keep using effective birth control for at least 2 months after you stop treatment.

Regular Checkup:

Make sure any doctor, optometrist, or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will check your progress or order laboratory tests at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

It is important for women to have regular gynecologic check-ups while taking tamoxifen. Women who have not had a hysterectomy should have yearly pelvic examinations while taking tamoxifen. Women who take tamoxifen have a slightly higher risk for developing endometrial (lining of the womb) or uterine cancer.

Since it is possible to develop breast cancer even during treatment with tamoxifen, talk to your doctor about breast examinations

This medication should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: May be more sensitive to side effects.

Pregnancy: Do not take as it may cause harm to the fetus. The drug may take up to two months to be fully cleared from your body. Pregnancy occurring within 8 weeks after stopping tamoxifen may expose the fetus to the drug. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Should not breastfeed because of the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant. Tamoxifen may also suppress post-partum milk production. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally. May cause dizziness and blurred vision.

Alcohol: If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you have taken a large overdose and/or notice any unusual symptoms, see a doctor.

Stopping the drug: If you stop taking this drug, your underlying condition may worsen. Remember that you may not notice any response until you have taken this drug for a few months or longer. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking tamoxifen.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Dietary precautions: No specific recommendations.