Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) is a non-steroidal agent that has demonstrated potent anti estrogenic properties in animal test systems. The anti estrogenic effects may be related to its ability to compete with estrogen for binding sites in target tissues such as breast. Tamoxifen Citrate inhibits the induction of rat mammary carcinoma induced by dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA) and causes the regression of already established DMBA-induced tumors. In this rat model, Tamoxifen Citrate appears to exert its anti tumor effects by binding the estrogen receptors.
Tamoxifen Citrate Dosage
The dose of Tamoxifen Citrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Nolvadex label. The following information includes only the average doses of Tamoxifen Citrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Tamoxifen Citrate dosage for breast cancer in women or men:
Adults — 20 to 40 milligrams (mg) of Nolvadex daily.
Tamoxifen Citrate dosage for reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk women:
Adults — 20 milligrams (mg) of Tamoxifen Citrate a day, for five years.
Tamoxifen Citrate dosage for reducing the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ:
Adults — 20 milligrams (mg) of Nolvadex a day, for five years
If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen Citrate
Missed dose — If you do miss a dose of Tamoxifen Citrate, do not take the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
Storage — How to store Tamoxifen Citrate
- Keep Tamoxifen Citrate out of the reach of children.
- Store Nolvadex away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Tamoxifen Citrate in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Nolvadex to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Tamoxifen Citrate or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Nolvadex is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Tamoxifen Citrate
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Tamoxifen Citrate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious Nolvadex side effects:
Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood; pain or swelling in one or both legs; unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge; irregular menstrual periods; pain or pressure in your pelvic area; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; new breast lumps; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious Tamoxifen Citrate side effects may include:
Hot flashes, warmth or tingly feeling under your skin; bone, joint, or tumor pain; redness or skin changes; swelling in your hands or feet; vaginal itching or dryness; depressed mood, weakness; weight loss; nausea; cough, sore throat; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; headache, dizziness; thinning hair.
