tamoxifen, Nolvadex Side Effects (Weight Gain), Dosage & Dangers

What is tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen that prevents
the effects of
estrogens on tissues.

What brand names are available for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Soltamox is currently the only brand available for tamoxifen. Nolvadex brand has been discontinued.

Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

Yes

Why is tamoxifen (Soltamox) prescribed to patients?

• Tamoxifen is used for the treatment of invasive
  breast cancer in men and women, 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
  DCIS 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.

What are the side effects of tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

• Uterine malignancies,
  stroke, and
  pulmonary embolism were reported when tamoxifen was used for risk-reduction in women with ductal carcinoma in situ and women at high risk for breast
  cancer.

The most common side effects associated with tamoxifen are:

• Hot flashes

• Weight loss
• Abnormal or absence of menstrual periods

• Vaginal discharge

• Vaginal bleeding
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Fluid retention
• Bone pain

• Cataracts

• Depression

Serious side effects include:

• Tamoxifen is associated with
  blood clots leading to
  deep vein thrombosis and
  pulmonary embolism.
• Tamoxifen can cause
  abnormalities
  of liver tests, reduced white blood cells,
  red blood cells, and platelets.
  Reduced platelets can lead to bleeding. Patients 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.

A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
See Answer

What is the dosage for tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

• The dose for metastatic breast cancer treatment, DCIS, and
  prevention of breast cancer is 10 mg twice daily or 20 mg once daily for 5
  years.
• The dose for stimulation of ovulation is 5-40 mg twice daily for 4 days.
• Tamoxifen can be taken with food.

Which drugs or supplements interact with tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

• Tamoxifen increases the blood thinning effect of
  warfarin (Coumadin,
  Jantoven) and reduces blood levels of
  letrozole (Femara) and
  anastrozole (Arimidex).
• Phenobarbital and rifampin may reduce blood levels of
  tamoxifen by increasing the breakdown of tamoxifen.

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Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

• Tamoxifen should not be used
  during pregnancy because it
  can harm the fetus.
• It is not known whether tamoxifen is excreted in breast milk. Tamoxifen causes a reduction in milk production. Women taking
  tamoxifen should not breastfeeding.

What else should I know about tamoxifen (Soltamox)?

What preparations of tamoxifen (So