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Tamoxifen Tablet

Tamoxifen is a drug that is used to treat some types of breast cancer because it blocks the effect of the hormone estrogen. It is sometimes used to treat other kinds of cancer.

What is this medication used for

Tamoxifen is a drug that is used to treat some types of breast cancer because it blocks the effect of the hormone estrogen. It is sometimes used to treat other kinds of cancer.

Dosage and How to Use

It is a tablet you take by mouth. It can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, with a glass of water or juice.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen, take it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose. If it is over 12 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing time.

Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication

What are the common side effects of Tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is usually well tolerated and serious side effects are rare.

Nausea can sometimes occur when you first start taking Tamoxifen.
If nausea occurs, take your tablets right after a meal.

Hot flushes can sometimes occur when you first start taking Tamoxifen.
If this occurs, take your tablets at bedtime.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of blood clot over a vein or calf tenderness

Sudden onset of cough, chest pain or shortness of breath

Changes in eye sight

For women: unexpected bleeding or discharge from the vagina

Handling and Storage

Store Tamoxifen tablets out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture.

Additional Information

Other name: Nolvadex^®

If you have any questions, please call your pharmacist at the National Cancer Centre. The side effects listed above are those that occur frequently. Other side effects may occur. Please contact your doctor to report.

Disclaimer: The National Cancer Centre Singapore does not endorse or promote the use of any product mentioned in this booklet. The information is presented in a summary to provide an understanding and for knowledge only, and may not contain information about all aspects of care. It does not recommend self-management of health problems or replace consultation with your doctor. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read in this booklet.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Document No. PHM-MED-PEM-136/0916