Nolvadex is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used for the treatment of breast cancer by blocking the effects of the estrogen hormone in the body.
This drug can also reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer are at least 35 years of age and have a combination of risk factors that make their chance of developing breast cancer 1.67% or more over the next 5 years.
Your risk of developing breast cancer will be determined by your healthcare professional.
Before using Nolvadex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. It is unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults. This drug is not anticipated to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Risks to the fetus have been reported in studies of pregnant women but these may be outweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as:
To use Nolvadex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Mild nausea and vomiting have been associated with the use of this drug. The effects of this drug may take several weeks or months to be noticed.
Check with your healthcare professional before you stop using this drug. Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects. The tablets must be swallowed whole with a drink of water with or without food.
Check with your healthcare professional if you vomit shortly after taking a dose of this drug. You will be advised when to take the dose. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults with breast cancer are given 20 to 40 milligrams daily. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. For reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk women, adults are advised to take 20 milligrams a day for five years.
Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. For reducing the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ, adults are advised to take 20 milligrams a day for five years. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.
A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Nolvadex, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.
If you notice changes in vaginal discharge, changes in vision, coughing up blood, leg swelling or tenderness, menstrual irregularities, new breast lumps, pelvic pain or pressure, sudden chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, consult with your healthcare professional immediately.
Inform any health care professional that treats you that you are using or have used this drug. It is recommended to use some type of birth control while taking this drug as this drug may cause you to be more fertile.
It is not recommended to use oral contraceptives since they may change the effects of tamoxifen. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you think you have become pregnant while using this drug.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Nolvadex. Discuss with your healthcare professional for any delayed unwanted effects such as cataracts or eye problems, uterine cancer, or embolism in a vein, lung, or brain that may occur until months or years after this drug is used.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:
Sores, Ulcers or White spots in the mouth or on the lips
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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