Hello, I am the representative pharmacist at Ilwon Station Exit 1 Pharmacy.
Today, I will explain in detail about Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen), which is widely used for breast cancer treatment and recurrence prevention,
based on frequently asked questions at the pharmacy.
Tamoxifen is one of the hormonal treatments,
and many people are curious about its effects, side effects, and dosage.
I wrote it in an easy-to-understand question and answer format,
and hope that it will be of practical help to breast cancer patients and their families.
Samsung Medical Center (Samsung Seoul Hospital)
prescribed Nolvadex and Nolvadex D tablets,
but from March 7, 2025,
the prescription drugs were changed to Tamoxifen 10 mg and 20 mg.
The two drugs have the same ingredients, content, efficacy, and effects.
Input source
1. Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen) action and effect: How does it help?
Q. What is the effect of Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is mainly used to treat estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer.
It prevents estrogen from promoting the growth of cancer cells and plays a role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
It is especially effective for early breast cancer or as adjuvant therapy after surgery.
Q. How long should I take Tamoxifen? How long should I take it?
The standard is 5 years.
According to recent studies, some patients have a greater effect in preventing recurrence when taking it for up to 10 years,
but you should consult with your doctor.
Taking it too short or too long depends on your individual situation.
Q. Can I develop resistance to Tamoxifen?
It is rare, but it is possible to develop resistance.
If you feel that the effect is decreasing,
you can consider changing to an aromatase inhibitor (Femara, Arimidex, etc.) after consulting with your doctor.
Q. Is there a difference between Nolvadex and Tamoxifen?
Nolvadex is the representative brand name of tamoxifen,
and Tamoxifen is a generic drug with the same ingredients.
The effects are the same.
Q. Is it effective after menopause?
Yes, it is effective for postmenopausal women.
After menopause, estrogen production decreases,
but tamoxifen suppresses the action of remaining estrogen to prevent recurrence.
Q. Tamoxifen vs. aromatase inhibitor, which is better?
Tamoxifen can be used both before and after menopause,
but aromatase inhibitors (Femara, Arimidex) are mainly effective for postmenopausal women.
Please consult with your doctor as it is selected based on the side effects and patient condition.
2. Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen) side effects: Solutions to concerns
Q. What are the side effects of Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen)?
Major side effects include facial flushing, weight gain, joint pain, hair loss, and vision changes.
Rarely, blood clots, endometrial hyperplasia, and liver toxicity have also been reported.
Q. How do I overcome side effects?
- Facial flushing: Cool your face with cold water or maintain a well-ventilated environment.
- Joint pain: Consider light stretching or doctor-recommended pain relievers (Tylenol, etc.).
- Weight gain: Regular exercise and diet control are helpful.
Q. How serious is the risk of blood clots or endometrial hyperplasia?
The risk of blood clots is low, about 1-2%, but if you experience leg swelling or pain, go to the hospital immediately. Endometrial hyperplasia is more common in premenopausal women, and regular gynecological examinations are important.
Q. Is there no risk of osteoporosis?
Tamoxifen actually has a bone-protecting effect, so it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
However, if you switch to an aromatase inhibitor after menopause, you will need to check your bone density.
3. Tamoxifen tablets (Tamoxifen) dosage and precautions: How to take them properly
Q. Is there a separate dosage for Tamoxifen tablets (Tamoxifen)?
Take 20mg once a day, usually with a meal or on an empty stomach.
It is best to take them consistently at the same time.
Q. Morning vs. evening, when is it better to take them?
There are no special restrictions, but if side effects such as facial flushing are severe at night, we recommend taking them in the morning.
Try to fit your lifestyle.
Q. Can I take them on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can. If you have a stomach problem, it is better to take them after a meal.
Q. What happens if I stop taking them suddenly?
Sudden discontinuation can cause side effects (facial flushing, mood swings, etc.) due to hormonal changes.
Be sure to consult with your doctor and adjust gradually.
4. Food and lifestyle habits: What are the compatibility with Tamoxifen tablets (Tamoxifen)?
Q. Is it okay to have tamoxifen, coffee, and alcohol?
- Coffee: No problem. However, if your facial flushing gets worse, try reducing your caffeine intake.
- Alcohol: Be careful because drinking too much can strain your liver.
Q. Should I avoid soybeans (isoflavones) or dairy products?
There is a misconception that soybean isoflavones are similar to estrogen, but moderate amounts are okay.
There are no special interactions with dairy products.
Q. What about omega-3, probiotics, and multivitamins?
You can take them all.
Omega-3 can help prevent blood clots, and probiotics are good for your intestinal health.
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5. Drug interactions: Can I take them together?
Q. Can I take Tamoxifen (tamoxifen) and antidepressants together?
SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, etc.) can weaken the effects of tamoxifen,
so please consult your doctor to decide on an alternative medication.
Q. Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, painkillers?
- Antibiotics: No big problem, but take them at intervals to reduce the burden on the liver.
- Blood pressure medications: Most are safe.
- Painkillers: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and aspirin all have no major interactions.
6. Breast cancer treatment and recurrence prevention: The role of tamoxifen
Q. How much does Tamoxifen (tamoxifen) prevent recurrence?
There is a study that shows that taking it for 5 years reduces the risk of recurrence by about 40-50%.
It is important to take it consistently.
Q. What happens after 5 years?
After 5 years, you can consult with your doctor to stop taking it or change it to an aromatase inhibitor (Femara, etc.).
Q. What if I don't have Tamoxifen (tamoxifen)?
If the effect decreases, you can consider genetic testing or other hormonal treatments.
Consultation with your doctor is essential.
Tamoxifen, learn and take it properly!
Tamoflex (Tamoxifen) plays a big role in breast cancer treatment and recurrence prevention, but the dosage and side effect management are also important.
Based on frequently asked questions at the pharmacy,
I hope that many of your questions have been answered.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Ilwon Station Exit 1 Pharmacy at any time.
A pharmacist will always be by your side for a healthy life!
