What is this medicine?
TAMOXIFEN (ta MOX i fen) blocks the effects of estrogen. It is commonly used to treat breast cancer. It is also used to decrease the chance of breast cancer coming back in women who have received treatment for the disease. It may also help prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-blood clots
-blood disease
-cataracts or impaired eyesight
-endometriosis
-high calcium levels
-high cholesterol
-irregular menstrual cycles
-liver disease
-stroke
-uterine fibroids
-an unusual or allergic reaction to tamoxifen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-aminoglutethimide
-bromocriptine
-chemotherapy drugs
-female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills
-letrozole
-medroxyprogesterone
-phenobarbital
-rifampin
-warfarin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms. If you are taking this medicine to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer, you should know that this medicine does not prevent all types of breast cancer. If breast cancer or other problems occur, there is no guarantee that it will be found at an early stage.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 2 months after stopping this medicine. Stop taking this medicine if you get pregnant or think you are pregnant and contact your doctor. This medicine may harm your unborn baby. Women who can possibly become pregnant should use birth control methods that do not use hormones during tamoxifen treatment and for 2 months after therapy has stopped. Talk with your health care provider for birth control advice.
Do not breast feed while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-changes in vision
-changes in your menstrual cycle
-difficulty walking or talking
-new breast lumps
-numbness
-pelvic pain or pressure
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-sudden chest pain
-swelling, pain or tenderness in your calf or leg
-unusual bruising or bleeding
-vaginal discharge that is bloody, brown, or rust
-weakness
-yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-fatigue
-hair loss, although uncommon and is usually mild
-headache
-hot flashes
-impotence (in men)
-nausea, vomiting (mild)
-vaginal discharge (white or clear)
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in the original package at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not store above 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). DO NOT freeze or refrigerate. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Use within 3 months of opening. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class D - Adequate well-controlled or observational studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy may outweigh the potential risk. For example, the drug may be acceptable if needed in a life-threatening situation or serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective.
SECOND Trimester
Class D - Adequate well-controlled or observational studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy may outweigh the potential risk. For example, the drug may be acceptable if needed in a life-threatening situation or serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective.
THIRD Trimester
Class D - Adequate well-controlled or observational studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy may outweigh the potential risk. For example, the drug may be acceptable if needed in a life-threatening situation or serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
