Nolvadex
(Tamoxifen)

Description

Common use

Nolvadex is a non-steroid anti-estrogen which competitively inhibits estrogen receptors in the target organs and tumors in them. Mechanism of its action is not completely investigated though it is known that a complex of Nolvadex with the receptor and cofactor appears and than it is transferred to the cell nucleus preventing hypertrophy of the cells which depend on regulation by estrogen. The effect of the medication can last several weeks after a single dose. Nolvadex is able to cause ovulation in women, stimulation production of gonadotropic hormones of hypophysis. In men with oligospermia it increases concentration of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and estrogen in the blood serum. Nolvadex is used to treat breast cancer in women and in men (especially after castration) and also when it has spread to other parts of the body, kidney cancer, melanomas and sarcomas of the soft tissues with estrogen receptors, cancer of the ovary.

Dosage and direction

Take it exactly as recommended by your physician as the dosage depends on your condition. Long treatment (about 2 years) is advised. Take this medication with food and a big glass of water as a single dose or divide it in two (taken in the morning and the evening), do not chew or crush them.

Precautions

This medication may increase the possibility of developing endometrial cancer. Patients who are treated with Nolvadex should be monitored for any abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual periods, change in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure.

Contraindications

Nolvadex is contradicted in patients with hypersensitivity to this medication and also in women who are threated by coumarin-type anticoagulant therapy or in women with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus in history, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with eye diseases (including cataracts), hyperlipidemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypercalcemia, severe thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism (also in history).

Side effects

Side effects are not expected. If they change from minor to severe you should immediately inform your doctor about it. Side effects caused by Nolvadex are: hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, abnormal menstrual periods.

Drug interaction

Nolvadex is able to cause abnormalities in liver and blood tests, so regular monitoring of side effects caused by Nolvadex is required. If such signs as jaundice and bleeding appear a patient should immediately seek for immediate medical help.

Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.

Overdose

Acute overdosage in humans has not been reported. In patients with metastatic cancer treated with the maximally tolerated doses of Nolvadex side acute neurotoxicity manifested by tremor, hyperreflexia, unsteady gait and dizziness were observed. If you supposes that took too much of this medication look for immediate medical help and contact your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.