tamoxifen, Nolvadex Side Effects (Weight Gain), Dosage & Dangers

What is tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen that prevents
the effects of
estrogens on tissues.

What brand names are available for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Soltamox is currently the only brand available for tamoxifen. Nolvadex brand has been discontinued.

Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Yes

Why is tamoxifen (Soltamox) prescribed to patients?

Tamoxifen is used for the treatment of invasive
breast cancer in men and women, the most common type of
breast cancer, following
surgery and/or
radiation and for preventing invasive

breast cancer in women at
high risk for developing it.
Tamoxifen also is used for the treatment of women
following surgery and radiation for a less common type of
breast cancer called
ductal
carcinoma in situ (DCIS or intraductal carcinoma). Women who have had
DCIS are at high risk for developing invasive breast cancer at a later date, and
tamoxifen prevents development of the invasive cancer in almost half of the
women during the first five years of treatment.
Occasionally, tamoxifen is used
to stimulate
ovulation.

What are the side effects of tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

SIDE EFFECTS WARNING:

Uterine malignancies,
stroke, and
pulmonary embolism were reported when tamoxifen was used for risk-reduction in women with ductal carcinoma in situ and women at high risk for breast
cancer.

The most common side effects associated with tamoxifen are:

Hot flashes
Weight loss
Abnormal or absence of menstrual periods
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Headache
Vomiting
Nausea
Cough
Fatigue
Fluid retention
Bone pain
Cataracts
Depression

Serious side effects include:

Tamoxifen is associated with
blood clots leading to
deep vein thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism.
Tamoxifen can cause
abnormalities
of liver tests, reduced white blood cells,
red blood cells, and platelets.
Reduced platelets can lead to bleeding. Patients should keep appointments for
blood work to monitor for these side effects. Patients should report any
suspected side effects immediately, especially bleeding and yellowing of the
skin.

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A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
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What is the dosage for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

The dose for metastatic breast cancer treatment, DCIS, and
prevention of breast cancer is 10 mg twice daily or 20 mg once daily for 5
years.
The dose for stimulation of ovulation is 5-40 mg twice daily for 4 days.
Tamoxifen can be taken with food.

Which drugs or supplements interact with tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Tamoxifen increases the blood thinning effect of
warfarin (Coumadin,
Jantoven) and reduces blood levels of
letrozole (Femara) and
anastrozole (Arimidex).
Phenobarbital and rifampin may reduce blood levels of
tamoxifen by increasing the breakdown of tamoxifen.

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Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Tamoxifen should not be used
during pregnancy because it
can harm the fetus.
It is not known whether tamoxifen is excreted in breast milk. Tamoxifen causes a reduction in milk production. Women taking
tamoxifen should not breastfeeding.

What else should I know about tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

What preparations of tamoxifen (Soltamox) are available?

Tablets: 10 and 20 mg. Solution: 10 mg/5 ml

How should I keep tamoxifen (Soltamox) stored?

Tamoxifen should be stored in a dry place at 15 C – 30 C (59 F – 86 F).

How does tamoxifen (Soltamox) work?

The precise mechanism of its action is
unknown, but one possibility is that it binds and blocks estrogen receptors on
the surface of cells, preventing estrogens from binding and activating the cell.
It is used in patients for treating and preventing
breast cancer.

When was tamoxifen (Soltamox) approved by the FDA?

Tamoxifen was
approved by the FDA in December 1997.