The following information is a summary about Genox. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
About your Nolvadex treatment
Your doctor has ordered the drug Nolvadex/tamoxifen to help treat your illness. Nolvadex/Tamoxifen comes as tablet to take by mouth.
This Nolvadex medication is used to:
treat breast cancer
reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease
Nolvadex/Tamoxifen is in a class of drugs known as antiestrogens; Nolvadex blocks the activity of estrogen, a female hormone produced by the body in the breast. The length of Nolvadex treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Nolvadex Uses
Nolvadex/Tamoxifen is also used sometimes to induce ovulation (egg production) in women who do not produce ova (eggs) but wish to become pregnant, to treat breast pain, and to decrease the size and pain of gynecomastia (swelling and tenderness of the breast). Nolvadex/Tamoxifen may be useful in in treating carcinoid tumors. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this Nolvadex drug for your condition.
This Nolvadex medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Nolvadex pharmacist for more Nolvadex information.
Nolvadex Precautions
Before taking Nolvadex/tamoxifen,
tell your doctor and Nolvadex pharmacist if you are allergic to Nolvadex/tamoxifen or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and Nolvadex pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglutethimide (Cytadren); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); bromocriptine (Parlodel); cancer chemotherapy drugs; letrozole (Aromasin); phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for Nolvadex side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or high blood levels of cholesterol.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not plan to have children while taking Nolvadex/tamoxifen or for 2 months after treatments. (Talk to your doctor for further details.) Use a reliable nonhormonal method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Nolvadex/Tamoxifen may harm the fetus.
Nolvadex Side Effects
Nolvadex/Tamoxifen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these Nolvadex symptoms are severe or do not go away:
increased bone or tumor pain
hot flashes
upset stomach
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
vaginal discharge
excessive tiredness
dizziness
depression
headache
thinning of hair
loss of appetite
stomach cramps
constipation
loss of sexual desire or ability (in men)
Some Nolvadex side effects can be serious. The following Nolvadex symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
persistent pain or reddening around the tumor site
vision problems
pain or swelling of the legs
shortness of breath
Nolvadex/Tamoxifen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this Nolvadex drug.
Nolvadex Overdose
Symptoms of Nolvadex overdose may include:
tremor
unsteadiness
dizziness
What should I do if I forget a Nolvadex dose?
Take the missed Nolvadex dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Nolvadex dose, skip the missed Nolvadex dose and continue your regular Nolvadex dosing schedule. Do not take a double Nolvadex dose to make up for a missed one.
Other uses for this Nolvadex medicine
This Nolvadex medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Nolvadex information.
What storage conditions are needed for Nolvadex?
Keep Nolvadex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Nolvadex at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Nolvadex medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Nolvadex medication.
What other Nolvadex information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Nolvadex.
Do not let anyone else take your Nolvadex medication. Ask your Nolvadex pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Nolvadex prescription.
In case of Nolvadex emergency/overdose
In case of Nolvadex overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
