Nolvadex is a cancer medication. Nolvadex is used to lower the chances of getting breast cancer in women and to treat breast cancer in women after they have finished early treatment such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Nolvadex also helps to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. It may also reduce a woman’s chance of getting a new breast cancer. The exact mechanism of action of Nolvadex is not known, but it is believed to act by blocking the effects of estrogen on the body. Swallow the tablets whole with water. You can take it with or without food. Nolvadex is generally taken for 5 years unless your doctor tells otherwise.

Manufacturer Information

The brand Nolvadex comes from Australia and is manufactured by AstraZeneca. The generic equivalent of Nolvadex is Tamoxifen. The generic equivalent of Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is available from Canada and is manufactured by a different manufacturer. Nolvadex is available in the dosage of 20 mg tablets and the generic is available in the in the dosage forms of 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.

Stop taking Nolvadex and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:

• Blood clots in your veins or lungs
• Cataract
• Changes in the lining or the body of the uterus leading to vaginal bleeding, pain or pressure in pelvis
• Liver problems including jaundice
• Stroke

Less serious side effects include hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Do not become pregnant while taking Nolvadex or for 2 months after stopping the medication. Nolvadex can stop hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills, patches, injections, rings and implants from working. Hence, while taking Nolvadex use birth control methods that don't use hormones such as condoms, diaphragms with spermicides. If you get pregnant, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away. Do not take the medication if you have allergy to tamoxifen or any of the ingredients in Nolvadex, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking, are breastfeeding, had a blood clot. Nolvadex can interact with medications anticoagulants such as warfarin, phenobarbital (an antiepileptic agent), rifampin (An anti-tuberculosis medicine.