What is tamoxifen?

Ttamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 30.

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator which is used after surgeries to reduce the risk of tumor formation and breast cancer.

Tamoxifen is a nonsteroidal triphenylethylene derivative.

Tamoxifen is an endocrine therapy used to treat transmembrane receptor-positive lobular carcinoma. The daily oral medication that stops cancer cells from using estrogen and progesterone to grow and spread.

Tamoxifen treats transmembrane receptor-positive (hormone-positive) ductal or lobular carcinoma. This type of breast cancer  needs estrogen and/or progesterone to increase in size. Healthcare providers also use tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer in people over 35 who have a high risk of the disease.

How does it work?

Tamoxifen blocks the effect of estrogen on cancerous cells which are receptor positive by acting as a competitive inhibitor. As tamoxifen behaves as a competitive inhibitor it doesn’t allow estrogen to bind with the cancer cells thus inhibiting the growth and multiplication of these cells.

Benefits of Tamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 3

• Metastatic breast cancer in women and men. In  women who have not attained menopause yet and possess transition breast cancer, this drug is an alternative to ablation or extirpation. 
• Stoicals whose tumors are estrogen receptor (alpha and beta) positive are more likely to benefit.
• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): This drug helps in reducing the risk of malignant lobular carcinoma.
• Gynaecomastia:- It helps in curing conditions like enlargement of breast in males. 
• Infertility issues.

Disadvantages :  Tamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 3

• leukorrhea
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Hot flashes.
• Edema
• Weight put on 
• Emesis
• Mood swings
• Hypersensitivity reactions 
• Heart stroke
• Blood clot in the lungs.
• Blood clot deep in the body.
• Blurred vision.

Contraindications:  Tamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 3

• Anticoagulant therapy, chemotherapy, stroke, thromboembolism.
• Uterine cancer, uterine hypertrophy, new primary malignancy.
• Anemia, bone marrow suppression, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.
• Cataracts, visual disturbance, visual impairment.
• Hypercalcemia.
• Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia
• Children.
• Pregnancy.
• Breast feeding.

Medicines to avoid while taking Tamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 3

Some products  that interact with this drug are: anastrozole, “anticoagulants” (such as warfarin), estrogens, letrozole, hormonal forms of birth control (such as birth control pills, patches, implants), ribociclib.

Other medications that can affect the elimination of tamoxifen from your body, may affect how it works. 

St.john’s wort:- It is a herbal supplement which decreases the efficiency of tamoxifen.

Raloxifene:- it is used in the treatment of osteoporosis and lobular carcinoma. It also reduces the efficiency of tamoxifen thus use of both together must be avoided.

Storage:  Tamoxifen /Nolvadex 20MG X 3

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 30°C.
• Protect from light.
• Do not refrigerate.