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Generic Name: Tamoxifen
Brand Name(s): Nolvadex®
IUPAC: 2-[4-[(Z)-1,2-di(phenyl)but-1-enyl]phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine
FDA Approval: yes
Manufacturer Link
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Usage: Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women with advanced or
metastatic breast cancer. It is also given to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in women who have been treated for ductal
carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Tamoxifen is taken in tablet form. Patients that are taking tamoxifen to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer, whether in a high risk population or who have a history of DCIS, will normally receive this treatment for a period of 5 years.
Mechanism: Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) is a molecule that competes with
estrogen for binding sites on estrogen receptors in certain tissues of the body. This competition with estrogen limits cell growth in some tissues, making it an effective cancer treatment in some cases.
Side Effects: Common side effects include hot flashes, vaginal discharge or bleeding,
menstrual irregularities. Patients being treated with tamoxifen are also at increased risk for blood clots in the legs and lungs, and also for strokes. These events are serious but are rare. Tamoxifen may also increase the risk of
endometrial cancer in patients receiving treatment that have not undergone a hysterectomy. Patients should not become pregnant while taking tamoxifen or within 2 months after treatment is stopped as the drug could harm the unborn child. Also, oral
contraceptives should not be used while taking tamoxifen. Therefore other forms of birth control must be used, such as condom or diaphragm.
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