Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer using Nolvadex Tablets

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or intraductal carcinoma, is breast cancer in the lining of the milk ducts that has not yet spread to nearby tissues. It may progress to invasive cancer if untreated. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a marker for an increased risk of invasive cancer in the same or both breasts.
The size, stage, rate of growth, and other characteristics of a breast cancer determine the type of treatment. Treatment may include surgery, drugs (hormonal therapy and chemotherapy), radiation and/or immunotherapy.
Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones such as estrogen and/or progesterone, which makes it possible to treat them by blocking the effects of these hormones.

Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate) – Product Information

Nolvadex Tablets contains the active ingredient Tamoxifen Citrate which works by blocking the actions of oestrogen, a female sex hormone. Nolvadex Tablets are effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in women and men.
Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer. Nolvadex is indicated for the treatment of node-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women following total mastectomy or segmental mastectomy, axillary dissection, and breast irradiation.
In women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), following breast surgery and radiation, Nolvadex is indicated to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer. Nolvadex is indicated to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer.
Tamoxifen is used to treat infertility in women with anovulatory disorders. Tamoxifen is used to prevent estrogen related gynecomastia, resulting from elevated estrogenic levels. It is taken as a preventative measure in small doses, or used at the onset of any symptoms e.g. nipple soreness/sensitivity.

Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate) - Contraindications

Nolvadex Tablets is contraindicated in patients that have hypersensitivity to Tamoxifen Citrate or any inactive component of this medicine. It is also contraindicated in women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant within two months after treatment. Women who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, cannot be administered Tamoxifen Citrate as it is unknown if tamoxifen passes into breast milk.

Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate) - Dosage

Nolvadex Tablets can be taken with or without food at approximately the same time each day. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. The dosage varies as per the indication being treated. The recommended dosage of Nolvadex tablets for various indications is given below:
Breast Cancer:
For patients with breast cancer, the recommended daily dose of Nolvadex is 20 mg to 40 mg. Dosages greater than 20 mg per day should be given in divided doses (morning and evening).
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS):
The recommended dose is 20 mg of Nolvadex daily for 5 years.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women:
The recommended dose is 20 mg of Nolvadex daily for 5 years.
Infertility (Anovulatory Disorders):
The recommended dosage of Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate) is 10 mg to 40 mg per day which is is administered in days 3 to 7 of a woman's cycle.

Side Effects of Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate)

Inform your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you: hot flushes, nausea, vomiting, any changes in your period, unusual/changes in vaginal discharge, itching around the genital area, headache, dizziness or light-headedness, diarrhoea or constipation, skin rash, fluid retention, leg cramps and unusual hair loss or thinning. These are the milder side effects of Nolvadex Tablets.
Inform your doctor immediately in case you notice any of the following:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual pain or pressure around your pelvis, in your bones or anywhere in your body
• Excessive thirst
• Swelling of the hands, ankles and feet
• Lower stomach pain or discomfort.
• Pain and reddening around the tumour
• Unusual tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness when exercising, and looking pale
• Problems with vision
• Unexplained bruising
• Frequent infection, fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark coloured urine.

In case of unusual vaginal bleeding or other gynaecological symptoms such as pelvic pain or pressure when you are taking Nolvadex or anytime afterwards, inform your doctor. This is necessary as changes to the lining of the womb may occur, some of which may be serious. Most of the above side effects are rare however you may need urgent medical attention.
Stop taking Nolvadex Tablets and inform your doctor immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• An unusual cough
• Severe pain in the chest which may reach the left arm
• Breathlessness
• Any unusual, severe or prolonged headache or migraine attack
• Partial or complete loss of vision, or double vision
• Slurring or speech disability
• Sudden changes to your hearing, sense of smell, or taste
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness or numbness in any part of your body
• Severe pain in your stomach
• Severe pain or swelling in either of your legs

Increase risk of blood clots and ovarian cysts (in pre-menopausal women) have been seen with Nolvadex Tablets. A blood clot is a very serious side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Nolvadex Tablets (Tamoxifen Citrate) - More Details

For more details please read the prescription information or watch the presentation below: