Nolvadex Information:

Nolvadex, alsoknown as Timoxifen Citrate, is considered to be an important drug forhelping patients suffering from breast cancer. It helps by preventingcancer reaching the other parts of the body, and works as ananti-estrogen drug for the prevention of testosterone and gyno. Thedrug is highly effective for women who are prone to suffering breastcancer. However it does not eliminate the likelihood of the occurrenceof breast cancer completely, but rather prevents breast cancer movingfrom the first stage to the second stage. As estrogen is quitereceptive to the different forms of breast cancers, Nolvadex therapyblocks estrogens and prevents genetic inclination towards breastcancer.  It is also used for the restoration of natural levels oftestosterone development in the body. Nolvadex prevents development ofestrogens in the initial stage and reduces the side effects related togyno and prevents spreading it to other parts of the body.

Theuse of Nolvadex has been highly acclaimed by researchers, and itsadvantages overcome its side effects - especially for women at a highrisk of breast cancer. The drug is also used by body builders andathletes, to reduce estrogen levels in the body that cause increasedfat and excessive levels of water retention in the body. The drug ishighly effective for patients suffering from gyno, in which thepatients suffer from painful symptoms of swollen nipples and itchiness.Nolvadex is usually suggested to cure these symptoms at a particularstage, otherwise the patient has to be go through a painful surgery.

Thedrug is usually available as 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The initial drugdosage is 40-50 mg of Nolvadex daily, and 20-25 mg after the second andthird week. However this drug is usually utilized for long-termpurposes, therefore doctor’s advice is of the utmost importance whentaking this drug. For breast cancer, the dosage is a 20 mg tablet everyday, to be consumed for at least five years. Special care should betaken to avoid overdosing on the drug, which can cause seriousconsequences. The most serious symptoms of overdose include anxiety,faintness and trembling of the body.

The potential sideeffects associated with Nolvadex include increased chances ofdeveloping uterine cancer, vomiting, and nausea. Women takingmedication for Nolvadex might experience irregular vaginal bleeding,changes in their periods, breast lumps, leg swelling, shortness ofbreath or other similar changes. These changes should be reported tothe doctor and patients taking this medication are required to undergocontinuous gynecological health checks by their doctors. This drugshould not be stopped suddenly without the advice of the doctor,however caution must be used while using this drug along with otherdrugs, especially other toxic cancer drugs. Nolvadex should not be usedif the patient already has liver problems.

Nolvadex should not be used 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 doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before Nolvadex usage:

Somemedical conditions may interact with Nolvadex . Tell your doctor orpharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of thefollowing 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
• ifyou have high levels of calcium in your blood, a weakened immunesystem, 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

SomeMEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nolvadex . Tell your health care providerif 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

Thismay not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask yourhealth care provider if Nolvadex may interact with other medicines thatyou 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 doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Nolvadexcomes with an extra patient information sheet called a MedicationGuide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Nolvadexrefilled.
• 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.
• Continueto take Nolvadex even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. TakingNolvadex at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
• Ifyou miss a dose of Nolvadex , take it as soon as possible. If it isalmost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back toyour 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:

• Nolvadexmay cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it withalcohol or certain medicines. Use Nolvadex with caution. Do not driveor perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react toit.
• Nolvadex may reduce the number of clot-formingcells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may causebruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising orbleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Nolvadexmay lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contactwith people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if younotice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Newtumors have occurred in body sites other than the uterus in patientstaking Nolvadex . It is unknown if Nolvadex may be the cause. Discussany questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Women whotake Nolvadex to reduce the risk of breast cancer should have a breastexam, mammogram, and gynecological exam before starting and duringtreatment with Nolvadex .
• Women who may become pregnantshould begin taking Nolvadex during a menstrual period. Women who haveirregular menstrual periods should have a pregnancy test immediatelybefore starting Nolvadex . Talk to your doctor if you have anyquestions about how to begin taking Nolvadex .
• Womenwho may become pregnant must use effective nonhormonal birth control(eg, condoms, diaphragm) during sexual intercourse while they aretaking Nolvadex and for 2 months after they stop taking it. Do not usehormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills); it may not work aswell while you are taking Nolvadex . Discuss any questions abouteffective nonhormonal birth control with your doctor.
• Nolvadex will not prevent you from becoming pregnant.
• Labtests, including breast exams, mammograms, gynecologic exams, completeblood counts, and liver function tests, may be performed while you useNolvadex . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or checkfor side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Nolvadex should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCYand BREAST-FEEDING: Nolvadex may cause harm to the fetus. Do not becomepregnant while you are using it and for 2 months after you stop usingit. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You willneed to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nolvadex while you arepregnant. It is not known if Nolvadex is found in breast milk. Do notbreast-feed while taking Nolvadex .

Possible Nolvadex side effects:

Allmedicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minorside effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON sideeffects 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 side effects occur:

Severeallergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing;tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue;unexplained hoarseness); abnormal menstrual periods; abnormal vaginalbleeding or bloody discharge; chest pain; coughing up blood; darkurine; decreased sexual desire or ability; depression; fever, chills,or persistent sore throat; groin or pelvic pain or pressure; loss ofappetite; loss of balance or coordination; missed menstrual period; newor increased breast tumor or pain; new or unusual lumps; one-sidedweakness; 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 severeheadache; swelling of the arms or the legs; unusual bleeding orbruising; vision or speech problems; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Thisis not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you havequestions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Callyour doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Overdose:

Contactyour local poison control center or emergency room immediately.Symptoms may include exaggerated reflexes; seizures; severe orpersistent dizziness; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble walking.

How to store Nolvadex:

StoreNolvadex between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightlyclosed, light-resistant container. Store away from moisture, heat, andlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not take tablets after theexpiration date printed on the label. Keep Nolvadex out of the reach ofchildren and away from pets.

This article is for informational purposes only. For further instructions on Nolvadex consult with your doctor.