Nolvadex contains tamoxifen which is used to treat women with breast cancer that has extended to other body organs. This is known as metastatic breast cancer. Nolvadex is also prescribed to women who have undergone chemotherapy, and to women who are considered to be at risk of breast cancer.

Dosage

Nolvadex is administered by way of oral tablets that are supplied in two strengths – 10mg and 20mg, as well as an oral liquid.

Your doctor will determine the suitable dose of Nolvadex for you. Do not take more or less of the prescribed dose.

Treatment with Nolvadex will continue uninterrupted for 5 years. Take your daily dose at the same time each day.

If your doctor has told you to take 20mg a day, this is usually separated into two equal doses of 10mg each. Take 10mg in the morning and 10mg at night.

If you use the liquid form of Nolvadex, each dose should be carefully poured into a measuring device (not a kitchen spoon) to ensure that the correct amount is taken.

If you have metastatic cancer, you might experience increased pain when you first start treatment with Nolvadex. Do not be too worried as this often happens and it is usually a sign that the medication is having a beneficial effect. These symptoms should not last long. If however they do persist, check with your doctor.

Important warnings

In rare circumstances, Nolvadex can cause serious, sometimes fatal, strokes or blood clots in the legs or lungs. It may also cause cancer of the uterus. Report the following symptoms to your doctor: any change in your menstrual cycle, strange vaginal discharge, or pressure or pain in the stomach below your navel, weakness on one side of your body, sudden vision problems, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, confusion, or pain and swelling in your legs.

Women who are pregnant must not handle this medication because tamoxifen can be absorbed through skin. This could harm unborn babies. All adult women should have a pregnancy test before using Nolvadex. If you are breastfeeding, discuss any possible risks with your doctor.

Nolvadex may not be suitable for you if you have a history of strokes or a blood clotting disorder.

Tell your doctor if you cannot walk, if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, cataracts, or if you smoke.

During treatment with this drug men and women should use non-hormonal contraceptives such as spermicides, condoms or diaphragms.

Side effects

Common side effects include thinning of the hair, hot flashes, or nausea. Men who are using Nolvadex may experience a loss of sexual desire. These side effects are usually temporary. If they continue, consult your doctor.

Serious side effects can include vision problems, mood swings, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme fatigue, swelling of the feet or ankles, persistent vomiting or nausea, jaundice, dark urine, persistent sore throat, or fever.

In very rare instances, patients have had an allergic reaction to Nolvadex. Symptoms characteristic of this will be swelling, extreme dizziness, itching, rash, or shortness of breath.

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