Info on (Anti-Estrogens) Nolvadex

Nolvadex Information:

Nolvadex, also known as Timoxifen Citrate, is considered to be an important drug for helping patients suffering from breast cancer. It helps by preventing cancer reaching the other parts of the body, and works as an anti-estrogen drug for the prevention of testosterone and gyno. The drug is highly effective for women who are prone to suffering breast cancer. However it does not eliminate the likelihood of the occurrence of breast cancer completely, but rather prevents breast cancer moving from the first stage to the second stage. As estrogen is quite receptive to the different forms of breast cancers, Nolvadex therapy blocks estrogens and prevents genetic inclination towards breast cancer. It is also used for the restoration of natural levels of testosterone development in the body. Nolvadex prevents development of estrogens in the initial stage and reduces the side effects related to gyno and prevents spreading it to other parts of the body.

The use of Nolvadex has been highly acclaimed by researchers, and its advantages overcome its side effects - especially for women at a high risk of breast cancer. The drug is also used by body builders and athletes, to reduce estrogen levels in the body that cause increased fat and excessive levels of water retention in the body. The drug is highly effective for patients suffering from gyno, in which the patients suffer from painful symptoms of swollen nipples and itchiness. Nolvadex is usually suggested to cure these symptoms at a particular stage, otherwise the patient has to be go through a painful surgery.

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

The potential side effects associated with Nolvadex include increased chances of developing uterine cancer, vomiting, and nausea. Women taking medication for Nolvadex might experience irregular vaginal bleeding, changes in their periods, breast lumps, leg swelling, shortness of breath or other similar changes. These changes should be reported to the doctor and patients taking this medication are required to undergo continuous gynecological health checks by their doctors. This drug should not be stopped suddenly without the advice of the doctor, however caution must be used while using this drug along with other drugs, especially other toxic cancer drugs. Nolvadex should not be used if 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:

Some medical conditions may interact with Nolvadex . Tell your doctor 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 doctor. 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 doses. 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 may 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 doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor 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 doctor 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 doctor.
•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 doctor 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 doctor.
•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. 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.
•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 doctor. 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 Nolvadex side effects:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor 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 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 doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Overdose:

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

How to store Nolvadex:
Store Nolvadex 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.

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