ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk, reduce risk of invasive breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma, metastatic female and male breast cancer, treatment of melanoma, desmoid tumors
BRAND NAME Nolvadex
DRUG CLASS
Antineoplastic
DESCRIPTION
This drug binds to estrogen receptors on tumors, decreasing production of DNA and inhibiting estrogen effects.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Increased bone and tumor pain, hot flashes, loss of menstruation, altered menstruation, nausea, cough, edema, fatigue, muscle pain, ovarian cysts, fluid retention, vaginal discharge, weight loss, skin changes, liver toxicity.
CAUTIONS
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, have a history of blood clots, or are currently taking warfarin.
May cause increased calcium levels, uterine or endometrial cancer, blood clots.
Report any abnormal vaginal bleeding to your doctor, even after you have stopped the drug.
Decreased visual acuity, retinopathy, corneal changes, and cataracts have been reported.
Requires blood monitoring during therapy.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Allopurinol, cyclosporine, warfarin, diltiazem, letrozole, rifampin, aminoglutethimide, bromocriptine, medroxyprogesterone This drug is metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes).
Several other drugs interfere with these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of tamoxifen from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with tamoxifen, dosage adjustments may be needed. As
these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or non-prescription product.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Black cohosh, dong quai in estrogen-dependent tumors
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D. Excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed during therapy.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This drug has a black box warning that warns of the possible development of uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism when used to reduce risk of breast cancer. Pregnancy should be avoided for two months after treatment has been discontinued.
For sexually active women of childbearing age, initiate treatment during menstruation.
