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NOLVADEX 10 MGis
Women taking Nolvadex to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer have developed cancer of the uterus, stroke, and blood clots in the lung. Some of these events have been fatal. Contact your physician right away if you develop any of the following: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge; abnormal menstrual period; groin pressure or pain; chest pain; shortness of breath; coughing up blood; confusion; one-sided weakness; vision or speech problems.
Women at high risk of breast cancer or with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) should discuss the use of Nolvadex with their physician. Decide if the possible benefits (reducing the risk of breast cancer) outweigh the risk of these events. The benefits of Nolvadex outweigh the risks in women who already have breast cancer.
Nolvadex is used for:
Treating breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body. It is also used along with other medicines to treat other types of breast cancer. It is used in women who are at high risk for breast cancer and in women with DCIS (after surgery and radiation) to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your physician.
Nolvadex is an antiestrogen. It works by blocking the effect of estrogen on certain tumors. This may prevent the growth of tumors that are activated by estrogen.
Do NOT use Nolvadex if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Nolvadex
you are using Nolvadex to reduce your risk of breast cancer and you have a history of blood clots in the lung or leg
you are using Nolvadex to reduce your risk of breast cancer and you also take certain anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
you are taking anastrozole
Contact your physician or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Nolvadex:
Some medical conditions may interact with Nolvadex. Tell your physician or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of blood clots in the legs or lungs
if you have high levels of calcium in your blood, a weakened immune system, or low levels of white blood cells or platelets in your blood
if you have high cholesterol or lipid levels
if you have cataracts or other vision problems
if you are using cytotoxic cancer medicines
if you are confined to a bed or chair
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nolvadex. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
Cytotoxic cancer medicines (eg, cisplatin) because the risk of developing blood clots may be increased
Rifampin because it may decrease Nolvadex's effectiveness
Fluorouracil or mitomycin C because they may increase the risk of Nolvadex's side effects
Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole, letrozole) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Nolvadex
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nolvadex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Nolvadex:
Use Nolvadex as directed by your physician. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Nolvadex comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Nolvadex refilled.
Nolvadex may be taken by mouth with or without food.
Take Nolvadex with water or another nonalcoholic liquid.
Swallow this medication whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Continue to take Nolvadex even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose
Taking Nolvadex at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
If you miss a dose of Nolvadex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nolvadex.
Important safety information:
NOLVADEX 10 MGismay cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nolvadex with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Nolvadex may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your physician if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your physician if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
Nolvadex may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your physician if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
New tumors have occurred in body sites other than the uterus in patients taking Nolvadex. It is unknown if Nolvadex may be the cause. Discuss any questions or concerns with your physician.
Women who take Nolvadex to reduce the risk of breast cancer should have a breast exam, mammogram, and gynecological exam before starting and during treatment with Nolvadex.
Women who may become pregnant should begin taking Nolvadex during a menstrual period. Women who have irregular menstrual periods should have a pregnancy test immediately before starting Nolvadex. Talk to your physician if you have any questions about how to begin taking Nolvadex.
Women who may become pregnant must use effective nonhormonal birth control (eg, condoms, diaphragm) during sexual intercourse while they are taking Nolvadex and for 2 months after they stop taking it. Do not use hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills); it may not work as well while you are taking Nolvadex. Discuss any questions about effective nonhormonal birth control with your physician.
Nolvadex will not prevent you from becoming pregnant.
Lab tests, including breast exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, complete blood counts, and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Nolvadex. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects of Nolvadex. Be sure to keep all physician and lab appointments.
NOLVADEX 10 MGisshould be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Nolvadex may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it and for 2 months after you stop using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your physician. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nolvadex while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nolvadex is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Nolvadex.
Possible side effects of Nolvadex:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your physician if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bone pain; constipation; coughing; hot flashes; muscle pain; nausea; tiredness; vaginal discharge; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unexplained hoarseness); abnormal menstrual periods; abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine; decreased sexual desire or ability; depression; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; groin or pelvic pain or pressure; loss of appetite; loss of balance or coordination; missed menstrual period; new or increased breast tumor or pain; new or unusual lumps; one-sided weakness; pain or swelling in one or both legs; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; skin changes; stomach pain; sudden severe headache; swelling of the arms or the legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; vision or speech problems; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your physician for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Symptoms may include exaggerated reflexes; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble walking.
Proper storage of Nolvadex:
Store NOLVADEX 10 MGis between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Store away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not take tablets after the expiration date printed on the label. Keep Nolvadex out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Nolvadex, please talk with your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Nolvadex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your physician.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Nolvadex. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
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