Tamoxifen is used for:

Treating breast cancer that has spread to other sites in thebody.
It is also used along with other medicines to treat other types of breast
cancer. It is used in women who are at high risk for breast cancer and in women
with DCIS (after surgery and radiation) to decrease the risk of developing
breast cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your
doctor.

Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen. It works by blocking the effect
of estrogen on certain tumors. This may prevent the growth of tumors that are
activated by estrogen.

Do NOT use Tamoxifen if:

• you areallergic
  to any ingredient in Tamoxifen
• you are using Tamoxifen to reduce
  your risk of breast cancer and you have a history of blood clots in the lung
  or leg
• you are using Tamoxifen to reduce
  your risk of breast cancer and you also take certain anticoagulants (eg,
  warfarin)
• you are taking anastrozole

 

Before using Tamoxifen :

Some medical conditions may interact with Tamoxifen . Tell
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any
of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to
  become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any
  prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, ordietary
  supplement
• if you have allergies to
  medicines,foods,
  or other substances
• if you have a history of blood
  clots in the legs or lungs
• if you have high levels of
  calcium in your blood, a weakened immune system, or low levels of white
  blood cells or platelets in your blood
• if you have high cholesterol or
  lipid levels
• if you have cataracts or other
  vision problems
• if you are using cytotoxic cancer
  medicines
• if you are confined to a bed or
  chair

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tamoxifen . Tell your health
care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the
following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
  because the risk of bleeding may be increased
• Cytotoxic cancer medicines (eg,
  cisplatin) because the risk of developing blood clots may be increased
• Rifampin because it may decrease
  Tamoxifen ‘s effectiveness
• Fluorouracil or mitomycin C
  because they may increase the risk of Tamoxifen ‘s side effects
• Aromatase inhibitors (eg,
  anastrozole, letrozole) because their effectiveness may be decreased by
  Tamoxifen

 

How to use Tamoxifen :

Use Tamoxifen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on
the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Tamoxifen comes with an extra
  patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read
  it again each time you get Tamoxifen refilled.
• Tamoxifen may be taken by mouth
  with or withoutfood.
• Take Tamoxifen with water or
  another nonalcoholic liquid.
• Swallow this medication whole. Do
  not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Continue to take Tamoxifen even
  if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking Tamoxifen at the same time
  each day will help you to remember to take it.
• If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen ,
  take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
  the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2
  doses at once.

 

Important safety information:

• Tamoxifen may cause dizziness.
  These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.
  Use Tamoxifen with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe
  tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Tamoxifen may reduce the number
  of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may
  cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or
  bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Tamoxifen may lower the ability
  of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or
  infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever,
  sore throat, rash, or chills.
• New tumors have occurred in body
  sites other than the uterus in patients taking Tamoxifen . It is unknown if
  Tamoxifen may be the cause. Discuss any questions or concerns with your
  doctor.
• Women who take Tamoxifen to
  reduce the risk of breast cancer should have a breast exam, mammogram, and
  gynecological exam before starting and during treatment with Tamoxifen .
• Women who may become pregnant
  should begin taking Tamoxifen during a menstrual period. Women who have
  irregular menstrual periods should have a pregnancy test immediately before
  starting Tamoxifen . Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how
  to begin taking Tamoxifen .
• Women who may become pregnant
  must use effective nonhormonal birth control (eg, condoms, diaphragm) during
  sexual intercourse while they are taking Tamoxifen and for 2 months after
  they stop taking it. Do not use hormonal birth control (eg, birth control
  pills); it may not work as well while you are taking Tamoxifen . Discuss any
  questions about effective nonhormonal birth control with your doctor.
• Tamoxifen will not prevent you
  from becoming pregnant.
• Lab tests, including breast
  exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, complete blood counts, and liver
  function tests, may be performed while you use Tamoxifen . These tests may
  be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep
  all doctor and lab appointments.
• Tamoxifen should be used with
  extreme caution inCHILDREN;
  safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
  Tamoxifen may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are
  using it and for 2 months after you stop using it. If you think you may be
  pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and
  risks of using Tamoxifen while you are pregnant. It is not known if
  Tamoxifen is found in breastmilk.
  Do not breast-feed while taking Tamoxifen .

Possible side effects of Tamoxifen :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have
no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any
of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bone pain; constipation; coughing; hot flashes; muscle
pain; nausea; tiredness; vaginal discharge;weight
loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or
tongue; unexplained hoarseness); abnormal menstrual periods; abnormal vaginal
bleeding or bloody discharge; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine;
decreased sexual desire or ability; depression; fever, chills, or persistent
sore throat; groin or pelvic pain or pressure; loss of appetite; loss of
balance or coordination; missed menstrual period; new or increased breast
tumor or pain; new or unusual lumps; one-sided weakness; pain or swelling in
one or both legs; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or
persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; skin changes;stomach
pain; sudden severe headache; swelling of the arms or the legs;
unusual bleeding or bruising; vision or speech problems; yellowing of the eyes
or skin.