Nolvadex D (Tamoxifen)

Do’s

• Take Nolvadex exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily.
• Take it with or without food.
• If using the liquid, measure the dose carefully with the provided measuring device.
• Take Nolvadex consistently, ideally at the same time(s) each day.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you experience increased bone pain, tumor size, or new tumors after starting treatment (these could be signs the medication is working).

Don'ts

• Don't take more than the prescribed dose.
• Don't use a household spoon to measure liquid Nolvadex.
• Don't stop taking Nolvadex without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle Nolvadex tablets or breathe the dust from them.
• Don't hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens.

Common side effects:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal discharge
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Skin rash
• Fatigue

Serious side effects (rare):

• Uterine malignancies (cancer)
• Stroke
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
• Liver disease
• Allergic reactions
• Changes in vision
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Signs of infection (e.g., sore throat, fever)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Severe abdominal pain

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Nolvadex d, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex D) can rarely cause very serious side effects, including:

• Strokes
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Uterine cancer

The decision to take Tamoxifen depends on the type and stage of your breast cancer:

• If you're taking it to reduce the risk of breast cancer or for DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), the benefits and risks need careful discussion with your healthcare provider.
• If you're taking it to treat existing breast cancer, the benefits of Tamoxifen generally outweigh the risks.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any symptoms of stroke, blood clots, or uterine cancer.

• Symptoms include:
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Calf pain or swelling
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pelvic pain