Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate)
 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate)
10mg Tablets
Manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate)
20mg Tablets
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate)
40mg Tablets
Manufactured by Generics (UK) Ltd.
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) Prescription Drug Information
Tamoxifen (By mouth)
Tamoxifen (ta-MOX-i-fen)
Treats advanced breast cancer in men and women, and early breast cancer in women. Also may prevent breast cancer in women who are at a high risk because of age, family history, or other factors.
Brand Name(s):Nolvadex
There may be other brand names for Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate). When Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) if you have had an allergic reaction to tamoxifen, or if you are pregnant. You should not use Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) if you are also using blood thinners (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), or if you have had a blood clot or blood clotting problems. How to Use Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate):
Liquid, Tablet
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Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate), make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. You may need to take Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) for 5 years or longer.
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Swallow the tablet whole. You may take Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) with or without food.
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Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
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Take Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) at the same time each day.
If a dose of Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate):
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate):
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aminoglutethimide (Cytadren®), bromocriptine (Parlodel®), letrozole (Femara®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rimactane®), or other cancer treatments.
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Birth control pills, implants, or shots may not work while you are using tamoxifen. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control. Other forms include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
Warnings While Using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate):
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Using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Keep using effective birth control for at least 2 months after you stop treatment.
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To make sure you are not pregnant, you may start taking Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) while you are having your menstrual period. Also, you must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be allowed to take Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate).
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Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, cataracts, eye or vision problems, hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood), or high cholesterol or triglycerides (fat) in the blood.
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Do not breastfeed while you are using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate).
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Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate). Be sure to keep all appointments. It is important for women to have regular gynecologic check-ups while taking tamoxifen.
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Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate).
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) may increase your risk of developing other rare but serious conditions, such as stroke, a blood clot in the lungs or veins, or cancer of the uterus. Talk with your doctor about these risks and your personal situation.
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Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) may cause changes in your menstrual periods, which could be a sign of a serious problem. Tell your doctor about any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
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Some of the side effects of Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) may not appear for months or years, or after you have stopped using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate). Tell your doctor if you have later side effects.
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Liver problems may occur while you are using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate). Stop using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate) and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
Possible Side Effects While Using Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate):
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
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Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
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Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
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Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure.
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Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
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New breast lumps.
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Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
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Pain in your lower leg (calf).
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Sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking.
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Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
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Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
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Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate), talk with your doctor:
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Back or joint pain.
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Blurred vision, change in color vision.
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Constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain or upset.
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Headache.
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Hot flashes, vaginal discharge.
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Increased tumor pain or bone pain.
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Loss of interest in sex or trouble having sex (in men).
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Rash.
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Trouble with sleeping.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen Citrate), tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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