Tamoxifen (ta-MOX-i-fen)

Treats advanced breast cancer in men and women, and early breast cancer in women. Also may prevent breast cancer in women who are at a high risk because of age, family history, or other factors.

Brand Name(s):

Nolvadex, Soltamox

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. You may need to take this medicine for 5 years or longer.
• Swallow the tablet whole. You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using letrozole (Femara®), bromocriptine (Parlodel®), or other cancer treatments.
• Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using tamoxifen. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control. Other forms include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.Keep using effective birth control for at least 2 months after you stop treatment.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or have cataracts. Tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol or high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
• Your doctor will need to check your progress 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.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may increase your risk of developing other rare but serious conditions, such as stroke, a blood clot in the lung, or cancer of the uterus. Talk with your doctor about these risks and your personal situation.
• This medicine may cause changes in your menstrual periods, which could be a sign of a serious problem. Tell your doctor about any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
• Some of the side effects of this medicine may not appear for months or years, or after you have stopped using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have later side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure.
• New breast lumps.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision, change in color vision.
• Hot flashes, vaginal discharge.
• Increased tumor pain or bone pain.
• Loss of interest in sex or trouble having sex (in men).