Tamoxifen is a medicine used against breast cancer, in its initial stage, indicated by the oncologist. This medicine can be found in pharmacies in generic or with the names of Nolvadex-D, Estrocur, Festone, Kessar, Tamofen, Tamoplex, Tamoxin, Taxofen or Tecnotax, in the form of tablets.
Tamoxifen costs between 45 and 200 reais, depending on the dose and the place where it is sold, and needs a prescription to be purchased.
Indications
Tamoxifen is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer because it inhibits tumor growth, regardless of age, whether the woman is in menopause or not, and the dose to be taken.
Learn all treatment options for breast cancer.
How to take
Tamoxifen tablets should be taken whole, with a little water, always keeping the same schedule daily and the doctor may indicate 10 mg or 20 mg.
Generally, Tamoxifen 20 mg is recommended orally, in a single dose or 2 tablets of 10 mg. However, if there is no improvement after 1 or 2 months, increase the dose to 20 mg twice a day.
The maximum treatment time has not been established by the laboratory, but it is recommended to take this medicine for at least 5 years.
What to do if you forget to take Tamoxifen
Although it is recommended to take this medicine always at the same time, it is possible to take this medicine up to 12 hours late, without losing its effectiveness. The next dose should be taken at the usual time.
If the dose has been missed for more than 12 hours, contact the doctor, as it is not recommended to take two doses less than 12 hours apart.
Side effects
The most common side effects of this medication are nausea, fluid retention, possibly seen as swollen ankles, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, skin rashes, itchy or peeling skin, hot flashes and tiredness.
In addition, although it is more rare, anemia, cataracts, retinal damage, allergic reactions, elevated triglyceride levels, cramps, muscle pain, uterine fibroids, stroke, headaches, delusions, numbness / tingling sensation may also occur and distortion or decreased taste, itchy vulva, changes in the wall of the uterus, including thickening and polyps, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, changes in liver enzymes, liver fat and thromboembolic events.
Contraindications
Tamoxifen is contraindicated for patients with allergies to any of the drug's components, in addition to not being advised in pregnant women or during breastfeeding. Its use is also not indicated for children and adolescents because studies have not been carried out to prove its effectiveness and safety.
Tamoxifen citrate should be used with caution in patients who are taking anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, chemotherapy drugs, rifampicin, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, such as paroxetine. In addition, it should also not be used at the same time with aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, for example.
