Before taking Tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
If you have cancer limited to the milk ducts, or if you are taking Tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer, then Tamoxifen should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), conditions that require treatment with a "blood thinner" (such as warfarin).
If you have breast cancer and a history of blood clots/stroke, you may or may not be able to take Tamoxifen. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Before using Tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease.
Tamoxifen is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. Women of childbearing age should start Tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before starting the medication.
It is recommended that men and women using Tamoxifen use two effective non-hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and diaphragms with spermicide) while taking Tamoxifen and for 2 months after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor.
It is not known if Tamoxifen passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Tamoxifen. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using Tamoxifen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Tamoxifen by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily for 5 years, or as directed by your doctor. Daily dosages greater than 20 milligrams are usually divided in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Dosage of Tamoxifen is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use Tamoxifen regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
If you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience increased bone/cancer pain and/or disease flare-up as you start taking Tamoxifen. In some cases, this may be a sign of a good response to the medication. Symptoms include increased bone pain, increased tumor size, or even new tumors. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. In any case, report these symptoms immediately to your doctor.
Since Tamoxifen can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Tamoxifen or breathe the dust from the tablets. (See also Precautions section.)
Inform your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Warning section.
Hot flashes, nausea, hair thinning, or headache may occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest may occur in men. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Tamoxifen because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Tamoxifen do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
A very serious allergic reaction to Tamoxifen is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Tamoxifen side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Tamoxifen should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: anastrozole, letrozole.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Tamoxifen.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), estrogens, hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, patches, implants), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), St John's wort.
Tamoxifen may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Tamoxifen.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.