Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)

Do’s

• Before starting your Nolvadex treatment, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for further clarification
• Take Nolvadex by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. The typical frequency is usually once or twice daily for a specified duration, which will be determined by your healthcare provider.
• Daily dosages greater than 20 milligrams are typically divided in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• If you are using the liquid form of Nolvadex, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon.
• The dosage of Nolvadex is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The duration of treatment to prevent cancer from returning may vary, typically between 5 to 10 years, depending on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Use Nolvadex regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time(s) each day to help you remember.
• If you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience increased bone/cancer pain and/or disease flare-up as you start taking Nolvadex. Inform your healthcare provider immediately about any such symptoms.
• Inform your healthcare provider right away if your condition worsens, such as the development of new breast lumps.

Don’ts

• Do not use a household spoon in measuring the liquid form of Nolvadex as it may not provide the correct dose.
• Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Common Side Effects:

• Hot flashes
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Weight changes
• Feeling dizzy
• Tired, or weak
• Bone/joint/muscle pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Nausea
• Leg cramps
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle pain
• Cough
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Hair thinning
• Headache
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Mood changes 

Serious Side Effects: 

• Vision changes
• Dark urine
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Indigestion
• Large swelling on the face
• loss of appetite
• Pains in the stomach
• Red skin lesions
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Yellow eyes or skin
• High blood calcium

Some men have reported sexual problems when taking Nolvadex, including lowered interest in sex and erectile dysfunction. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience sexual problems while taking Nolvadex.

Other Side Effects: 

• Changes in libido
• Decreased levels of IGF-1

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual experiences may vary. If there are specific concerns or questions about the side effects of Nolvadex, consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Nolvadex is unsafe to use during pregnancy and is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, and it may harm the unborn baby. Consult a healthcare provider regarding the use of Nolvadex during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are allergic to Nolvadex or any of its components, avoid using it.

Nolvadex can interact with other medications, including anastrozole, letrozole, warfarin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Discuss all current medications with a healthcare provider before using Nolvadex.

In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical care or call a healthcare provider. Some common symptoms of Nolvadex overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, and hot flashes.

These are general warnings and precautions, and specific medical advice should be sought from a healthcare provider before using Nolvadex.