What is Tamoxifen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, divide, chew, or crush it.

Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months of first opening the bottle.

Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months of first opening the bottle.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, divide, chew, or crush it.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tamoxifen, or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you have had a blood clot in the legs or lungs.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.

Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. It is also important for women to have regular gynecologic check-ups while using this medicine.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for other cancers, including endometrium, liver, or uterus cancerBlood clotsEye or vision problems

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, eye or vision problems (including cataracts), high cholesterol (fat) in the blood, or a history of stroke.

Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use another form of birth control (including condoms or spermicide) along with your pills during treatment with this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose.

Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Do not use this medicine together with blood thinners (including warfarin).

Some medicines can affect how tamoxifen works. Tell your doctor if you are using aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, bromocriptine, letrozole, paroxetine, rifampin, or other cancer medicines.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, cataracts, eye or vision problems, hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood), or high cholesterol or triglycerides (fat) in the blood.

Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. It is important for women to have regular gynecologic check-ups while taking tamoxifen.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing other rare but serious conditions, such as stroke, a blood clot in the lungs or veins, or cancer of the uterus. Talk with your doctor about these risks and your personal situation.

This medicine may cause changes in your menstrual periods, which could be a sign of a serious problem. Tell your doctor about any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Some of the side effects of this medicine may not appear for months or years, or after you have stopped using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have later side effects.

Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.