Tamoxifen is used for the treatment of invasive breast cancer in men and
women, the most common type of breast cancer, following surgery and/or
radiation and for preventing invasive breast cancer in women at high
risk for developing it.Nolvadex dosage
Tamoxifen also is used for the treatment of women following surgery and
radiation for a less common type of breast cancer called ductal
carcinoma in situ (DCIS or intraductal carcinoma). Women who have had
DCIS are at high risk for developing invasive breast cancer at a later
date, and tamoxifen prevents development of the invasive cancer in
almost half of the women during the first five years of treatment.
Tamoxifen is associated with blood clots leading to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Tamoxifen can cause abnormalities of liver tests, reduced white blood
cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Reduced platelets can lead to
bleeding. Patients should keep appointments for blood work to monitor
for these side effects. Patients should report any suspected side
effects immediately, especially bleeding and yellowing of the skin.The
dose for metastatic breast cancer treatment, DCIS, and prevention of
breast cancer is 10 mg twice daily or 20 mg once daily for 5 years.
Tamoxifen increases the blood thinning effect of warfarin (Coumadin,
Jantoven) and reduces blood levels of letrozole (Femara) and anastrozole
(Arimidex).
Phenobarbital and rifampin may reduce blood levels of tamoxifen by increasing the breakdown of tamoxifen.
