GENERIC NAME: TAMOXIFEN - ORAL (ta-MOX-ih-fen)
BRAND NAME(S): Nolvadex
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Tamoxifen rarely may cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. These include cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma), as well as strokes and blood clots in the lung (pulmonary emboli). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular or abnormal menstrual periods, groin pain or pressure, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness. If you are taking this medication for prevention of breast cancer (those with ductal carcinoma in situ-DCIS, or those at high risk for breast cancer) you should discuss with your doctor the risks of treatment as compared to the benefits. However, if you are taking tamoxifen for treatment of breast cancer, the proven benefits clearly are greater than the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
USES: Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks the action of the hormone estrogen. It is used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in women.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used short-term (less than one year) to treat girls age 2 -10 years of age who have premature puberty (McCune-Albright Syndrome).
HOW TO USE: Take this drug by mouth exactly as prescribed for the full treatment period. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, hot flashes, weight gain or headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: abnormal vaginal bleeding or irregular periods, vaginal discharge, groin pain, vision changes. Unlikely but report promptly: vomiting, rash. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, easy bruising, persistent sore throat, fever, mental or mood changes, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness, leg pain or swelling, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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