Tamoxifen



Nolvadex®[DSC]; Soltamox™







Tamoxifen

(ta MOKS i fen)

U.S. Brand Names
Nolvadex®[DSC]; Soltamox™
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Tamox®; Gen-Tamoxifen; Nolvadex®; Nolvadex®-D; Novo-Tamoxifen; Tamofen®
Mexican Brand Names
Nolvadex®; Taxus®[tabs]; Tecnofen®[tabs]
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Estrogen Receptor Antagonist
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to tamoxifen or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to cause ovulation.
  • This medicine is used to prevent breast cancer in females at increased risk. It may reduce the risk of getting cancer in the other breast after one has cancer.
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
How does it work?
  • Tamoxifen prevents estrogen from feeding estrogen-dependent cancer cells. This decreases spread of the cancer.
  • It stimulates ovulation.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • There may be a higher risk of endometrial or uterine cancer.
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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