Generic name: tamoxifen [ ta-MOX-i-fen ]
Brand name: Soltamox
Dosage forms: oral solution (10 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug classes:Hormones / antineoplastics, Selective estrogen receptor modulators
What is tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen blocks the actions of estrogen, a female hormone. Certain types of breast cancer require estrogen to grow.
Tamoxifen is used to treat some types of breast cancer in men and women.
Tamoxifen is also used to lower a woman's chance of developing breast cancer if she has a high risk (such as a family history of breast cancer).
Warnings
Taking tamoxifen may increase your risk of uterine cancer, liver cancer, stroke, or a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal.
Do not use tamoxifen if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use a barrier form of birth control (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide) while you are using this medication and for at least 2 months after your treatment ends. You should not use tamoxifen if you are allergic to it, if you have a history of blood clots in your veins or your lungs, or if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), a history of cataract, or a history of stroke or blood clot. Also tell your doctor if you if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
If you are taking tamoxifen to reduce your risk of breast cancer, you may need to take your first dose while you are having a menstrual period. You may also need to have a pregnancy test before you start taking this medicine, to make sure you are not pregnant. Follow your doctor's instru...
