Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®)
Please click here to read the Question and Answer section on Tamoxifen from the NCI's Cancernet info.
How does this drug work?
Tamoxifen is a drug which blocks the activity of estrogen hormones that can cause breast cancer to grow.
Common side effects
- Tamoxifen is usually well tolerated.
- Hot flashes
Less common side effects with your type of chemotherapy:
- Weight gain
- Vaginal discharge, dryness, or bleeding
- Blood clots and inflammation of a vein (phlebitis)
- Skin rash
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Mental depression, mood changes
- An increased risk of uterine cancer to about one in 500 to 700 cases per year is estimated. The uterine cancers that have occurred have been at an early stage and are thought to be curable in most cases.
- Difficulty sleeping
Very rare complications include:
- Eye problems which include retinal changes
- Liver cancer: two reports in women taking more than 40 milligrams of Tamoxifen per day
As with any drug, other side effects that were not mentioned may occur
Usual Dosing
- You should take tamoxifen 10-mg (1 tablet) twice in the morning and evening. It may be taken with or without food.
- Oral contraceptives (the "pill") or any form of estrogen replacement are not recommended for women with breast cancer. Ask your doctor about an acceptable birth control method or estrogen compound for you.
- If you become pregnant, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
- If you are planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor first.
- Report to your doctor any side effect you may experience.
- Report any symptoms which are unusual for you.
During the day, you may reach a doctor or nurse by calling the Breast Care Center Oncology/Chemotherapy number (see phone list).
After hours and on weekends, please be sure to use the specified Oncology/Chemotherapy, as this is the ONLY number to connect you to the appropriate physician on call.
