Nolvadex
Tamoxifen
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Nolvadex
Nolvadex is an anti estrogen medicine. It acts by blocking the effect of estrogen on certain tumors and prevent their growth (the tumors that are activated by estrogen).
Therapeutic Uses of Nolvadex
Nolvadex is used in the treatment of breast cancer that has metastasis to other sites (parts) of the body.
Direction of use of Nolvadex
Take Nolvadex as directed by your doctor or follow the procedure listed below and you should clear your doubt from your doctor if you have any doubt about the use of Nolvadex:
- Nolvadex should be taken orally with food or on empty stomach.
- Take it with water or any liquid that does not contain alcohol.
- Do not break, crush or chew the Nolvadex pill and it should be swallowed as a whole.
- Keep taking Nolvadex for the full course and do not miss a dose of it. Take it at the same time to make it easier to remember.
- Do not take Nolvadex pills if expiry date is over.
If You Miss a Dose of Nolvadex
If a dose of Nolvadex is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never 2 doses should be taken at a time.
How to Store Nolvadex
Nolvadex should be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C). It should ideally be stored away from heat, moisture and light, in a tightly closed container. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store Nolvadex in your bathroom.
More Information About Nolvadex
You should consult your doctor if there is no improvement or worsening of symptoms after using Nolvadex. It should be taken by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share Nolvadex woth anyone.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Nolvadex
Do not use Nolvadex if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor urgently:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Nolvadex.
- If you are taking anastrozole.
- If you have a history of blood clots in the lungs or leg.
- If you also take certain anticoagulants like warfarin.
Some important points of Nolvadex to remember:
- Nolvadex may cause drowsiness and you should not drive or perform other risky works which require constant attention and monitoring, till you know how you react to Nolvadex.
- Nolvadex may reduce the number of platelets (which forms blood clot and prevent bleeding) in blood. You should avoid activities that may cause bruising and also avoid any anti coagulation therapy during treatment with Nolvadex. You should inform your doctor that you are taking Nolvadex. Inform your doctor if there is any unusual bleeding or bruising or there is dark, tarry, or bloody stool.
- Nolvadex may lower the body immunity and you should try to avoid infection by avoiding people with cold and other infections. Inform your doctor if you get any symptoms of infections like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- There may be development of new tumor during treatment with Nolvadex, though it is not clear if these tumors are due to Nolvadex. You should discuss about the risks of development of new tumors with Nolvadex.
- If Nolvadex is used for treatment of breast cancer you should have a breast exam (by doctor and not self examination), mammogram, and gynecological exam before starting and during treatment with Nolvadex.
- Women of reproductive age should start treatment with Nolvadex during menstrual period and women with irregular menstrual period shoud get pregnancy test done before starting treatment with Nolvadex. Discuss with your doctor if you have any question about when and how to start treatment with Nolvadex.
- Nolvadex will not prevent you from becoming pregnant and you may become pregnant during treatment with it. You must use non hormonal birth control method like condom and diaphragm during treatment with Nolvadex and continue using it for at least 2 months after stopping Nolvadex. Do not use hormonal contraceptives as they may not work and may interfere with effectiveness of Nolvadex. Consult your doctor about the non hormonal birth control methods.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Nolvadex should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. If you think you are pregnant you should consult your doctor and get pregnancy test done. You have to discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Nolvadex during pregnancy. It is not known if it is secreted in the breast milk but you should not breast feed your baby during treatment with Nolvadex.
- In children it should be used with extreme caution as the safety and effectiveness is not established yet.
- Lab tests, like breast exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, complete blood counts, and liver function tests, should be done during treatment with Nolvadex. These tests may be used to monitor your condition and check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Nolvadex
There are many common side effects with Nolvadex which are usually minor. If your common and minor side effects become bothersome or persistent you should consult your doctor. The common side effects of Nolvadex are:
- Nausea, constipation, bone pain, weight loss, muscle pain, vaginal discharge, hot flash, cough, tiredness etc.
If you get any serious side effects of Nolvadex you should consult your doctor immediately. The serious side effects of Nolvadex are:
- Severe allergic reactions (manifested by skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unexplained hoarseness of voice); abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloody vaginal discharge, missed menstrual period, abnormal menstrual periods; severe chest pain; coughing of blood (hemoptysis); severe infection (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat); decreased sexual desire and/or ability; severe and persistent tiredness and weakness; loss of balance or coordination; appearance of new unusual lump; increased breast tumor pain; depression; dark urine; pain or swelling in one or both legs; red, swollen, blistering, or peeling of skin; skin changes, yellowing of the eyes and/or skin; unusual bleeding or bruising; stomach pain; sudden and severe headache; swelling of the arms or the legs; vision problem, speech problem etc.