Nolvadex
(Tamoxifen)
Lowers risk of and treats breast cancer.
Our bottom line
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is an effective, first-line option for certain types of breast cancers, but it has many severe side effects and needs a lot of monitoring.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- In studies, postmenopausal women who were at high risk for breast cancer took Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for 5 years and lowered their risk by about 50%.
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is the only medicine approved to lower risk of breast cancer regardless of menopausal status. Other medicines are approved only for postmenopausal women.
- Effective in treating metastatic breast cancer in men and women.
- Available in both tablets and a sugar-free solution.
Downsides
- If you're taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) to lower your risk for breast cancer, it can raise your risk of having a stroke or getting a blood clot, especially if you have a history of blood clots or you're currently taking a blood thinner, like warfarin. Tell your doctor about any health conditions before you start taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen).
- Can raise the risk of fractures in premenopausal women.
- There are many drug interactions, including antidepressants and other chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
- Requires regular blood tests and doctor exams to monitor for side effects.
- Not the best choice if you have eye or liver problems.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is an estrogen receptor antagonist. It stops tumor growth by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Breast cancer (treatment and prevention)
- Infertility
- Ovarian cancer
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
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Side effect rates for Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
- Hot Flashes65%65%48%48%
- Flush33%33%
- Fluid Retention32%32%30%30%
- Vaginal Discharge30%30%15%15%
- Nausea26%26%24%24%
- Irregular Menses25%25%19%19%
- Weight Loss (>5%)23%23%18%18%
- Skin Changes19%19%15%15%
- Amenorrhea16%16%
- Altered Menses13%13%
- Oligomenorrhea9%9%
- Bone Pain6%6%
- Menstrual Disorder6%6%
- Nausea5%5%
- Thrombocytopenia5%5%3%3%
- Cough/Coughing4%4%
- Edema4%4%
- Fatigue4%4%
- Muscoloskeletal Pain3%3%
- Pain3%3%
- Ovarian Cyst(s)3%3%
- Depression2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Nolvadex.
People taking Nolvadex felt side effect more
People taking Nolvadex felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.If you're at high risk for breast cancer or are a women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) has been associated with uterine cancer, stroke, and blood clots of the lung. Talk to your doctor about the risks before taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen).
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- There are many drug interactions, including antidepressants and other chemotherapy (anti-cancer) medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
- Not the best choice if you have eye or liver problems.