Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen medicine taken as a tablet. Its main use is in breast cancer that depends on oestrogen for growth. It belongs to the selective oestrogen receptor modulator class.
Medicine containing Tamoxifen
Key points
- Tamoxifen binds oestrogen receptors in breast tissue, which stops oestrogen from attaching there.
- It is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator and a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen.
- It is used in node-positive breast cancer in women after mastectomy or segmental mastectomy with axillary dissection and breast irradiation.
What Tamoxifen is used for
It treats breast cancer that responds to oestrogen, including metastatic disease in women and men. In premenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer it is used as an alternative to oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation. It is grouped with hormone therapy treatments for breast cancer.
How it works
Tamoxifen occupies oestrogen receptors in breast tissue so that oestrogen cannot attach. This can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that rely on the hormone. Its effect usually appears within two to four weeks.
Forms and brands
Nolvadex tablets contain tamoxifen in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Tamoxifen must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by anyone with a history of thromboembolic disorders or hypersensitivity to it. It is contraindicated with coumarin-type anticoagulants, and other blood-thinning medication is not recommended alongside it. Warfarin, rifampicin and letrozole interact with it. Hot flushes, nausea and fluid retention are common. Vaginal bleeding, endometrial changes and vision disturbance need medical review. Thromboembolism, uterine cancer and stroke require immediate medical attention.
What the sources say
- Tamoxifen is a substrate of cytochrome P-450 3A, 2C9 and 2D6, and an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (DailyMed).
- An elimination half-life of about seven days has been calculated for tamoxifen itself, and 14 days for its principal circulating metabolite, N-desmethyltamoxifen (Nolvadex SmPC).
- In women with DCIS or at high risk of breast cancer, serious and life-threatening events linked to tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism, some of them fatal; benefits and risks should be weighed (DailyMed).
- A small substudy of the NSABP P-1 trial found no apparent benefit in screening women for Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A to identify those unsuitable for tamoxifen (DailyMed).
Further reading
FAQ
What conditions does tamoxifen treat?
Tamoxifen is used for breast cancer that depends on oestrogen for growth. It can treat metastatic disease in women and men, and in premenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer it is used as an alternative to oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation.
How does tamoxifen work?
Tamoxifen binds oestrogen receptors in breast tissue, which stops oestrogen from attaching. This can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that rely on the hormone.
Which products here contain tamoxifen?
You'll find tamoxifen in Nolvadex, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
How long does tamoxifen take to work?
Its effect usually appears within two to four weeks.
What are the side effects of tamoxifen?
Common side effects include hot flushes, nausea and fluid retention. Vaginal bleeding, endometrial changes and vision disturbance need medical review, and thromboembolism, uterine cancer and stroke require immediate medical attention. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can tamoxifen be taken with other medicines?
Tamoxifen is contraindicated with coumarin-type anticoagulants, and other blood-thinning medication is not recommended alongside it. Warfarin, rifampicin and letrozole interact with it. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before combining medicines.
Who should not take tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by anyone with a history of thromboembolic disorders or hypersensitivity to it.
Do you send tamoxifen to Malaysia?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
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