Tamoxifen blocks oestrogen from reaching breast cancer cells. It is usually taken for five to ten years after treatment, and the length is the point — the benefit in reducing recurrence accumulates over years.
Once daily at the same time, with or without food. Swallow whole with water.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due. Do not double up.
Do not stop without discussing it with your oncology team, however troublesome the side effects — there are usually ways to manage them.
Hot flushes and sweats, vaginal dryness or discharge, irregular periods, mood changes, tiredness and joint aches are common. Hot flushes often ease after the first few months.
Non-hormonal measures help: layered clothing, keeping bedrooms cool, and identifying triggers such as alcohol and caffeine. Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants are usually suitable — ask us.
Some antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine and paroxetine, reduce how well tamoxifen works. Tell any prescriber you take tamoxifen before starting an antidepressant.
Tamoxifen increases the risk of blood clots. Tell any surgeon or anaesthetist that you take it, and mention prolonged immobility such as long flights to your team.
It must not be taken in pregnancy, and effective non-hormonal contraception is needed during treatment and for a period afterwards — your team will advise how long.
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