Tamoxifen Oral Tablet

Brands: Nolvadex

Uses

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

• cancer prevention
• cancer

Instructions

Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• breast pain or swelling
• feeling of heat or flushing
• hair loss
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• problems with sexual functions or desire
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• increased risk of sunburn
• weight loss

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

• loss of balance
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast or irregular heart beats
• shakiness
• unsteadiness while walking

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bone pain
• unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
• chest pain
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• pain in the eye
• flu-like symptoms
• severe or persistent headache
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• shortness of breath
• light colored stool
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• dark urine
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.