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tamoxifen
Medication Information Sheet
tamoxifen (ta­MOX­i­fen)
This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details.
Other name: Generic brand(s) available, Nolvadex®­D, Tamofen®
Appearance: tablet In various strengths
What it is used for
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For treating breast cancer which expresses hormone receptors in women.
Before using it
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Tell your doctor if you have/had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had blood clots, stroke, any planned major surgeries, severe depression, low blood counts, eye problems (including cataracts), or any allergies.
This drug contains a small amount of lactose. If you cannot tolerate lactose, talk to your doctor.
Tamoxifen may harm the unborn baby.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or plan to become pregnant
People who have cancer are at a higher risk of developing other cancers or blood clots. Also, some cancer medications, such as tamoxifen, may increase these risks. You should discuss these with your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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Do not use this drug if you are pregnant. If there is ANY chance that you or your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must:►Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug. *The most updated version and more symptom control information can be found on: http://www.cancercare.on.ca/druginfo Information listed here contains events that are more likely to take place, but not all possible events are listed. This information sheet may provide other details on top of the information given
by your healthcare team. For more information on this medication, please call your oncologist, pharmacist or nurse.
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September 2011
tamoxifen
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Do not take birth control pills if you have breast cancer. Keep using birth control until 6 months after the last dose (general recommendation). Discuss with your healthcare team.
Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while taking this drug.
Effects on Fertility: Probable
How it is given
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Swallow whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Take the dose at about the same time each day.
Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better. You may need to take this medication for a long time, as directed by your doctor. Make sure you understand the instructions.
While taking it
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This drug can interact with other drugs, and can result in the drugs not working as well or cause severe side effects.
Make sure that your doctor and pharmacist know about all your medicines (prescription or over­the­counter ones, herbals and supplements). Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any of them. Do not take any treatment containing estrogen (including herbal supplements). Safety / Storage
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Store in the original packaging at room temperature, away from heat, light or moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Do not throw out any unused drugs at home. Bring them to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Side effects and what to do
The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms, discuss with your doctor.
*The most updated version and more symptom control information can be found on: http://www.cancercare.on.ca/druginfo Information listed here contains events that are more likely to take place, but not all possible events are listed. This information sheet may provide other details on top of the information given
by your healthcare team. For more information on this medication, please call your oncologist, pharmacist or nurse.
Page 2 of 5 Prepared by the Cancer Care Ontario-Medication Information Sheets Working Group.
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tamoxifen
Contact doctor
Get emergency As soon Does as not Side effects and what to do
medical help right possible improve (office or if away
hours) severe
More common side effects
(Seen in more than 10 out of 100 people; for example > 10%)
Increased sweating, feelings of warmth (hot flashes)
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Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee, cola), chocolate, hot & spicy food, stress and heat. Exercise regularly. Keep cool; dress lightly, drink plenty of water. May improve over time. Other symptoms of haveing low estrongen levels (less common)
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Vaginal dryness (possibly with discharge or bleeding). Irregular menstrual periods (in women before menopause). Memory loss. Abnormal cholesterol or fat levels in the blood l
Your doctor may monitor these regularly. Emotional effects such as depression
Headache, dizziness; mild joint, muscle pain or cramps l
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Take painkiller(s) as directed, if given to you by your doctor. Otherwise, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Rest often, but may try light exercise. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you feel dizzy. Eye problems (dry eyes, redness, irritation, pain, tearing, blurred vision or other unusual changes with your sight)
Hair thinning or loss l
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Use a gentle soft brush; care should be taken with hair sprays, bleaches, dyes and perms. Your hair usually grows back after your treatment ends, *The most updated version and more symptom control information can be found on: http://www.cancercare.on.ca/druginfo Information listed here contains events that are more likely to take place, but not all possible events are listed. This information sheet may provide other details on top of the information given
by your healthcare team. For more information on this medication, please call your oncologist, pharmacist or nurse.
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but the texture or colour may change. Rash; dry, itchy skin l
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Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin. Use daily moisturizer. Rash may be severe in rare cases. If severe, seek emergency medical help right away. Poor Appetite; don't feel like eating; weight loss
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Eat foods that you like and try to eat regular small meals. Use meal supplements if possible. See a dietitian. Constipation
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Eat a balanced diet with fibres such whole grains, fruit and raw vegetables. Drink plenty of fluids. Try light exercise regularly. Speak to your doctor if no bowel movement for 3 or more days. Also see Constipation Pamphlet.* Diarrhea l
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May occur days to weeks after the drug is given / after treatment starts. Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. Try a low­fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread). Take anti­diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor. Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.* Nausea and vomiting
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May occur in hours to days after the dose is given/ after treatment starts. Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest. Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell. Take anti­nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it. Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours. Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.* Mild swelling in arms and legs; puffiness
*The most updated version and more symptom control information can be found on: http://www.cancercare.on.ca/druginfo Information listed here contains events that are more likely to take place, but not all possible events are listed. This information sheet may provide other details on top of the information given
by your healthcare team. For more information on this medication, please call your oncologist, pharmacist or nurse.
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Keep your feet up when sitting. Eat a low­salt diet. Avoid tight fitting clothing. Less common side effects
(Seen in less than 10 out of 100 people; for example < 10%)
Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness)
Changes (including cancer) to the womb lining (unusual vaginal bleeding, persistent pressure or pain in the belly)
Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)
Stroke (sudden loss of vision, speech, of the use of your limb
(s)) or Heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath)
Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)
Bone pain or worsening of your breast cancer l
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Usually happens during the first few weeks of treatment and may go away on its own. May take Tylenol ® tablets as needed for pain relief. Unusual bleeding or bruising
(may be due to low platelets) (black stools, coughing up blood, blood in urine, purple or red dots on skin, bleeding that will not stop)
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Use a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to cut or bruise yourself. Check with your doctor before getting any surgeries or dental work. Also see Low Platelets and Low White Blood Cells pamphlets.* Pancreas problems (increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to back, appetite or weight loss)
Liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)
*The most updated version and more symptom control information can be found on: http://www.cancercare.on.ca/druginfo Information listed here contains events that are more likely to take place, but not all possible events are listed. This information sheet may provide other details on top of the information given
by your healthcare team. For more information on this medication, please call your oncologist, pharmacist or nurse.
Page 5 of 5 Prepared by the Cancer Care Ontario-Medication Information Sheets Working Group.
September 2011