Tamoxifen is an early-used breast cancer remedy prescribed by the oncologist. This medication can be found in generic pharmacies 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 marketed, 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.
Find out all the treatment options for breast cancer.
How to take
Tamoxifen tablets should be swallowed whole, with a little water, always meeting the same schedule daily and your doctor may indicate 10 mg or 20 mg.
Generally, Tamoxifen 20 mg by mouth is recommended as a single dose or 2 10 mg tablets. However, if there is no improvement at the end of 1 or 2 months, the dose should be increased to 20 mg twice daily.
The maximum treatment time has not been established by the laboratory, but it is recommended to take this remedy for at least 5 years.
What to do if you forget to take Tamoxifen
Although it is recommended to take this medicine at the same time, it is possible to take this medicine within 12 hours of its effectiveness. The next dose should be taken at the usual time.
If the dose has been forgotten for more than 12 hours you should contact your doctor as it is not advised to take two doses less than 12 hours apart.
Side effects
The most common side effects of this medicine are nausea, fluid retention, possibly seen as swollen ankles, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, skin rashes, itching or peeling of the skin, hot flashes and tiredness.
In addition, although rare, anemia, cataracts, retinal damage, allergic reactions, elevated triglyceride levels, cramps, muscle aches, uterine fibroids, stroke, headaches, delusions, numbness / tingling sensation may also occur. and distortion or decreased taste, vulva itching, 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 components of the drug, and is not recommended for use in pregnant women or during breastfeeding. Its use is also not indicated for children and adolescents because no studies have been performed to prove its efficacy and safety.
Tamoxifen citrate should be used with caution in patients taking anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, chemotherapeutics, 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.
