| About Tamoxifen What is tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a drug that reduces and/or stops the effects of estrogen (a female
hormone) in the body. It was developed over 20 years ago and has been used to treat both
advanced and early stage breast cancer. More recently, tamoxifen is being used as an
adjuvant, or additional, therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast
cancer.
Tamoxifen is taken by mouth in tablet form and is usually prescribed as a single daily
dose.
How is tamoxifen used for breast cancer treatment?
As a breast cancer therapy, tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen, which has
been shown to promote the growth of breast cancer cells. It is often called an
"anti-estrogen."
As a treatment for breast cancer, the drug slows or stops the growth
of cancer cells that are already present in the body.
As adjuvant therapy, tamoxifen has been shown to help prevent the
development and recurrence of breast cancer. Research has shown that when tamoxifen is
used as adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, it not only prevents the
recurrence of the original cancer but also prevents the development of new cancers in the
opposite breast, in many cases. Based on these findings, the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) sponsored a large clinical trial to determine whether tamoxifen can prevent breast
cancer in women who have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Additional benefits of tamoxifen:
While tamoxifen acts against the effects of estrogen in breast tissue, it acts like
estrogen in other body systems. According to the National Cancer Institute, women who take
tamoxifen may share many of the beneficial effects of menopausal estrogen replacement
therapy, such as a lowering of blood cholesterol and a slowing of bone loss
(osteoporosis).
What are the possible side effects of tamoxifen?
Women considering taking tamoxifen should consult their physician. Different women
experience side effects differently. Some of the more common side effects may include:
- hot flashes and sweats
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- weight gain
- vaginal discharge
- irregular menstrual cycles
- fatigue
- headache
- vaginal dryness
- irritation of skin around the vagina
Less common side effects may include:
- blood clots
- depression
- eye problems
- uterine cancer
- other cancers
The National Cancer Institute emphasizes that the benefits of
tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer are firmly established and far outweigh the
potential risk of other cancers.
Some physicians and researchers caution, however, that tamoxifen therapy
may not be appropriate for all women who are at increased risk for breast cancer. Consult
your physician for more information regarding your individual case.
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