Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nolvadex Used For?
Nolvadex contains tamoxifen citrate, which blocks the actions of estrogen, a natural female hormone that can help certain breast cancer cells grow.
Primary Uses
Nolvadex is used to either treat breast cancer or reduce the risk of breast cancer occurring if you are at increased risk. Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other uses.
How It Works
Nolvadex works by blocking the actions of estrogen. In some types of breast cancer, estrogen can help cancer cells to grow, so blocking estrogen helps prevent this growth.
Good to know: Nolvadex is not addictive.
How to Take Nolvadex
Your doctor will decide how much Nolvadex you need to take based on your individual condition.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 20 mg of Nolvadex each day. This can be taken as two 10 mg tablets together or one 20 mg Nolvadex-D tablet once a day. Some people need to take 40 mg once a day. Swallow your tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew or crush them. Take at about the same time each day. It doesn’t matter if you take it before, with, or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is 12 hours before the next dose is due. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- depression
- hot flushes
- nausea and vomiting
- unusual vaginal discharge
- changes in periods
- itching around the vagina
- diarrhea or constipation
- headache, dizziness or light headedness
- hair thinning or hair loss
- leg cramps
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- skin rash, itching, hives or peeling skin
- swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- wheezing with difficulty breathing
- sudden weakness or paralysis of arms or legs
- sudden difficulty speaking, walking, holding things or thinking (stroke symptoms)
- unusual pain or pressure around pelvis or bones
- excessive thirst
- swelling of hands, ankles and feet
- vision changes
- lumps anywhere in the body
- unusual tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness when exercising
- frequent infections, fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- unexplained bruising
- yellowing of skin or eyes, dark colored urine
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Nolvadex.
Who Should Not Take Nolvadex
Do not use Nolvadex if you are allergic to tamoxifen citrate or any ingredients, allergic to other anti-estrogen medicines, taking blood clot prevention medicines like warfarin, or have had deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: hereditary angioedema history, unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood problems, liver problems, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, heart conditions including rhythm problems, or if you are a premenopausal woman (as bone mineral loss may occur).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Nolvadex if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not get pregnant while taking Nolvadex and for nine months after stopping. Ask your doctor about reliable contraception methods.
Serious Risk Warning: Nolvadex therapy may be associated with serious side effects such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, and uterine cancer. In some women, these events were fatal.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Nolvadex and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- oral contraceptives (‘the pill’)
- hormone replacement therapy
- blood thinning medicines like warfarin
- rifampicin
- chemotherapy medicines
- aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) – should not be taken together
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Nolvadex affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Some patients may experience dizziness, fatigue, or light headedness. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Nolvadex affects you.
Storage
Keep your Nolvadex tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car on hot days, or on a windowsill. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Nolvadex, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort. Taking too much Nolvadex may cause problems with your heart rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Nolvadex is not addictive.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Nolvadex before, with, or after food.
Take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is 12 hours before the next dose is due. If it’s less than 12 hours to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose.
Continue taking Nolvadex for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking it or lower the dosage unless you have discussed this with your doctor.
No, do not get pregnant while taking Nolvadex and for nine months after you stop taking it. Ask your doctor about reliable methods of contraception.
If you take too much, you may experience problems with your heart rhythm. Seek urgent medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Yes, remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Nolvadex. If you go to the hospital, let the medical staff know you are taking this medication.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.