DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen
(blocks
the effect of estrogen on tissue). The precise mechanism of its
action is
unknown, but one possible mechanism is that it binds and blocks estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, preventing estrogens from
binding and activating the cell. It is used in patients for treating and
preventing breast cancer. Controversy
currently exists
as to which breast cancer patients will benefit from this
treatment.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: 10mg oral tablets.
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Tamoxifen is used for the treatment of
invasive breast
cancer, the most common type of breast cancer, following surgery and/or radiation and for preventing invasive breast cancer in women at high risk for developing it. Tamoxifen also is used for the treatment of women following surgery and radiation for a less common type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS or intraductal carcinoma). Women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ are at high risk for developing invasive breast cancer at a later date, and tamoxifen prevents development of the invasive cancer in almost half of the women during the first five years of treatment. Occasionally, tamoxifen is used to stimulate ovulation.
DOSING: Tamoxifen should be taken at doses specifically
directed
by the physician. Currently, long term dosing is recommended (in
excess of
2 years). Tamoxifen can be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tamoxifen can
cause
abnormalities of liver tests and other blood tests, and patients taking it should keep
appointments for blood work to monitor for these side effects. Patients should report
any suspected
side effects immediately, especially bleeding and yellowing of
the skin.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated
with
tamoxifen are: hot flashes, weight gain, abnormal menstrual
periods, and
nausea.
Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year as a result. Patients with associated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol, and hemochromatosis are at the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Many patients with liver cancer do not develop symptoms until the advanced stages of the tumor which usually makes prognosis poor. The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, while a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis. Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy, are not very effective. Surgical removal of the tumor or a liver transplant may be most effective in certain cases.
Though uterine cancer's cause is unknown, there are many factors that will put a woman at risk, including: over age 50, endometrial hyperplasia, using hormone replacement therapy, obesity, using tamoxifen, being Caucasian, having colorectal cancer. Symptoms of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. Treatment depends on staging and may include radiation therapy or hormone therapy.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's risk of developing breast cancer is one in 1,000. Signs and symptoms include a firm mass located below the nipple and skin changes around the nipple, including puckering, redness or scaling, retraction and ulceration of the nipple. Treatment depends upon staging and the health of the patient.
Gynecomastia, an enlargement of the gland tissue in the male breast is the caused by an imbalance of hormones. Certain medical conditions may also lead to gynecomastia such as cirrhosis, malnutrition, disorders of the male sex organs, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, and medications. Gynecomastia is generally treated with medication, and if necessary surgery.
Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by a hard lump, or plaque, that forms within the penis. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease range from mild to severe. Treatment for Peyronie's disease includes medication, and often surgery.
As breast cancer is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer in American women, it is important to know your breast cancer risk. Risk factors include age, age at menarche, age at first live birth, history of breast abnormalities, breast biopsies, race, and history or breast cancer among first-degree relatives.
Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, affects the endometrium of the uterus. It's the most common invasive cancer of the female reproductive system. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, taking estrogen-only hormone therapy, early menstruation, late menopause, and never being pregnant.
For so many women, there is no more dreaded disease than
breast cancer. Breast cancer elicits fears related to loss of body image and
sexuality, surgery, and death. As is the case for most cancers, the exact cause
of breast cancer is not clearly known. Furthermore, there is currently no cure
for
advanced disease, and there is no definitive way of preventing it.
Breast cancer also affects men. Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers. Over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in women in the U.S., while about 2,000 cases are diagnosed in men.
Our knowledge of how breast cancer develops is expanding rapidly. As a result, new medications are being developed to reduce the risk of breast cancer among those at high risk of contracting this disease. For the majority of women, lifestyle changes, a healthy
diet, cautious use of selected
antioxidants, exercise, ...
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