Tamoxen (άλλο όνομα Nolvadex)

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

blood clots

blood disease

cataracts or impaired eyesight

endometriosis

high calcium levels

high cholesterol

rregular menstrual cycles

liver disease

stroke

uterine fibroids

an unusual or allergic reaction to tamoxifen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

aminoglutethimide

bromocriptine

chemotherapy drugs

female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills

letrozole

medroxyprogesterone

phenobarbital

rifampin

warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms. If you are taking this medicine to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer, you should know that this medicine does not prevent all types of breast cancer. If breast cancer or other problems occur, there is no guarantee that it will be found at an early stage.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 2 months after stopping this medicine. Stop taking this medicine if you get pregnant or think you are pregnant and contact your doctor. This medicine may harm your unborn baby. Women who can possibly become pregnant should use birth control methods that do not use hormones during tamoxifen treatment and for 2 months after therapy has stopped. Talk with your health care provider for birth control advice.
Do not breast feed while taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

changes in vision (blurred vision)

changes in your menstrual cycle

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

difficulty walking or talking

new breast lumps

numbness

pelvic pain or pressure

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

skin rash or itching (hives)

sudden chest pain

swelling of lips, face, or tongue

swelling, pain or tenderness in your calf or leg

unusual bruising or bleeding

vaginal discharge that is bloody, brown, or rust

weakness

yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

fatigue

hair loss, although uncommon and is usually mild

headache

hot flashes

mpotence (in men)

nausea, vomiting (mild)

vaginal discharge (white or clear)

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.