Tamoxifen (brand name Nolvadex) is an oral drug prescribed to treat certain kinds of breast cancer in both men and women. It is taken as a daily pill and can be taken with or without food.
History
Tamoxifen has been used to treat breast cancer for over 30 years in both men and women. It has also been used for the past ten years to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are considered to be at an increased risk for developing the disease.
Function
Tamoxifen interferes with the effects of estrogen in breast tissue, according to the National Cancer Institute. Some breast cancers need estrogen to grow, and tamoxifen prevents estrogen from fueling the growth of these tumors.
Time Frame
If you are taking tamoxifen for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, your doctor may prescribe this medication for varying amounts of time, depending on your response to the drug. For early-stage breast cancer, typical treatment length is five years, but the best time frame for taking this medication is unknown.
Side Effects
Side effects of tamoxifen may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, nausea, weight loss, lowered libido, headache and thinning hair. More serious side effects can occur. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden numbness or confusion, irregular vaginal bleeding, fever, chills or body aches, according to Drugs.com.
Warning
According to the National Cancer Institute, in tissues other than the breast, tamoxifen works like estrogen and may increase the risk of endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Seeing your gynecologist regularly for checkups is strongly recommended during and after tamoxifen treatment.
