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Introduction About NOLVADEX
NOLVADEX contains Tamoxifen which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-estrogen agents. It is used for breast cancer. This medicine is also used for reproductive health in women caused by a failure to produce and release eggs. Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
Along with this management, your doctor might ask you to make certain lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, healthy sleep habits and managing your weight. Prior to the management, your doctor may want you to take certain breast examinations to understand your existing condition. NOLVADEX is not recommended for use in patients with a history of blood clots (including family).
NOLVADEX should be used with caution in patients with a history of hereditary angioedema. NOLVADEX is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Inform your doctor before taking NOLVADEX if you are breastfeeding. NOLVADEX is not recommended for use in children. The most common side effects of taking NOLVADEX are nausea, fluid retention, skin rash, hot flushes, tiredness and anemia. Consult your doctor if any of the above side effects worsen or persist for a long time.
Uses Of NOLVADEX
- Used for breast cancer
How NOLVADEX Works
NOLVADEX works by binding to estrogen receptors and blocking the effects of estrogen (natural female hormone) in the breast tissue. This slows down the growth and multiplication of breast cancer cells.
How to use NOLVADEX
Take NOLVADEX as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of NOLVADEX
Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fluid retention
- Skin rash
- Hot flushes (feeling of warmth)
- Tiredness
- Anemia
- Changes in vision due to cataracts or changes to the retina of eye
- Increased amounts of fats in blood
- Allergic reactions
- Leg cramps
- Changes in the womb (including changes to its lining and benign growths)
- Headache, light-headedness
- Itching of the genitals
- Thinning of the hair
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Changes in blood tests of liver function
- Formation of fatty liver cells
- Muscle pain
- Sensory changes
- Increased risk of blood clots
Uncommon
- Blood problems
- Changes in vision and difficulty seeing
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Changes in the amount of calcium in your blood
- Inflammation of the lungs
Rare
- Changes in the cornea of eye
- Problems with the nerve that connects retina to your brain
- Swelling of the optic nerve
- Damage to blood vessels causing reddish or purplish dots on the skin
- Severe skin disorder (redness, blistering and peeling)
- Non-cancerous mass in inner lining of vagina
- Worsening of the symptoms of breast cancer such as an increase in pain and/or an increase in the size of the affected tissue may occur
Stop taking NOLVADEX and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Swelling of the calf or leg, chest pain, being short of breath or suddenly feeling weak
- Symptoms of a stroke (sudden onset of weakness or paralysis of the arms or legs, being unable to move the arms or legs, sudden difficulty with speaking, walking, in holding things or in thinking)
- Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat which may make it difficult to swallow (angioedema)
- Nettle rash (hives or urticaria)
- Reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Unusual bleeding from vagina
- Irregular periods, especially if associated with heavier bleeding as this could be a warning sign for a certain type of cancer affecting the lining of womb (endometrial cancer)
- Vaginal discharge
- Feeling of discomfort in the lower tummy (pelvis)
How To Manage Side Effects
Constipation
Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.
Diarrhea
Drink lots of water or fruit juice to keep hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.
Headache
Avoid bright lights, taken enough rest and drink lots of water.
Nausea And Vomiting
Take this medicine with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ContraindicatedNOLVADEX is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you may have become pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Consult your doctorInform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking NOLVADEX.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or handle any machines if you experience tiredness after taking NOLVADEX.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take NOLVADEX if you are allergic to Tamoxifen or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedNOLVADEX is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor before taking.
Others
NOLVADEX is not recommended for use if you:
- Are taking management for reproductive health
- Have or had blood clots in the past
- Have family history of blood clots
- Have illness which runs in the family that increases the risk of blood clots
Before taking NOLVADEX, inform your doctor if you:
- Are to undergo planned surgery
- Have a history of hereditary angioedema
- Are intolerant to certain sugars (lactose)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking, NOLVADEX, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Antidepressants (Ex. paroxetine, fluoxetine)
- Bupropion (used as antidepressant or aid smoking cessation)
- Quinidine (used for cardiac arrhythmia)
- Cincalet/cinacalcet (used for disorders of the parathyroid gland)
- Blood thinning medicines such as warfarin
- Rifampicin (used for tuberculosis)
- Medicines used for breast cancer (Ex. anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of NOLVADEX, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, unsteadiness and dizziness.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Tamoxifen |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Anti-estrogens |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Breast cancer |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
More Information
Storage
- Keep NOLVADEX out of reach of children
- Do not store above 25°C
FAQs About NOLVADEX
Q: What is NOLVADEX used for?
A: It is used for breast cancer. This medicine is also used for reproductive health in women caused by a failure to produce and release eggs.
Q: What if I stop taking NOLVADEX?
A: Do not stop taking NOLVADEX, even if you start feeling well, unless your doctor tells you. Stopping it early may increase the risk.
Q: Can NOLVADEX be used in pregnant women?
A: No. NOLVADEX is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it can affect the unborn child.
Q: What are common side effects of taking NOLVADEX?
A: NOLVADEX may cause hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation, headache, loss of sex drive and mood changes, fluid retention, nausea and vomiting.
Q: What if I forget to take NOLVADEX?
A: If you forget to take NOLVADEX, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near to your next dose, skip it and follow your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Estrogens, Progestins and Contraceptives. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page –337-340.
2. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2247.pdf
3. Tamoxifen. Mayoclinic. [Revised on April 2022] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
4. Tamoxifen. Medlineplus. [Revised on January 2018] [Accessed on November 7th, 2023] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682414.html
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