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Tamoxifen |
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What is Tamoxifen and why is it prescribed? Tamoxifen is an anticancer drug given to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen also has proved effective when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Tamoxifen is most effective in stopping the kind of breast cancer that thrives on estrogen. Tamoxifen is also prescribed to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer following surgery and radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ. The drug can also be used to reduce the odds of breast cancer in women at high risk of developing the disease. It does not completely eliminate your chances, but in a five-year study of over 1,500 high-risk women, it slashed the number of cases by 44 percent. Although Tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer, it increases the possibility of developing endometrial cancer. Women taking Tamoxifen should have routine gynecological examinations and report any abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual periods, change in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure to the doctor immediately. Even after Tamoxifen therapy has stopped, any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported at once. How should you take Tamoxifen? Follow your doctors directions for taking Tamoxifen. Do not stop taking Tamoxifen without first consulting your doctor. It may be necessary to continue taking the drug for several years. If you miss a dose do not try to make it up. Go back to your regular schedule with the next dose. Tamoxifen may be stored at room temperature. Are there any Tamoxifen side effects? Tamoxifen side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Tamoxifen side effects may include hot flashes, nausea, and vomiting. Less common Tamoxifen side effects may include bone pain, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, skin rash, tumor pain, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge. Rare Tamoxifen side effects may include blood clots, depression, distaste for food, dizziness, hair thinning or partial loss, headache, light-headedness, liver disorders, swelling of arms or legs, vaginal itching or dryness, and visual problems. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Tamoxifen? If Tamoxifen is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tamoxifen with Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Cancer drugs (such as Cytoxan), Letrozole (Femara), Phenobarbital, or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Tamoxifen? In addition to increasing the risk of uterine cancer, Tamoxifen also raises the odds of developing endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, and ovarian cysts. Women who take Tamoxifen also face a greater risk of stroke and of blood clots lodging in their lungs. The risk increases further when Tamoxifen is combined with toxic cancer drugs. Tamoxifen can also cause liver damage, and should be used with caution if you already have liver problems. If you experience visual problems while taking Tamoxifen, notify your doctor immediately. In a few women Tamoxifen may raise the level of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Your doctor may periodically do blood tests to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Tamoxifen may produce an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. Symptoms include muscle pain and weakness, loss of appetite, and, if severe, kidney failure. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor as soon as possible. If tests show that your blood contains too few white blood cells or platelets while you are taking Tamoxifen, your doctor should monitor you with special care. These problems have sometimes been found in women taking Tamoxifen. Whether Tamoxifen caused the blood-cell abnormalities is uncertain. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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