The medication Nolvadex, which is 20 mg of tamoxifen citrate and also sometimes goes by the names Nolva or Tamox, is used as a treatment for metastatic breast cancer in both women and men. For women who are pre-menopausal who have tested positive for metastatic breast cancer, Nolvadex is used as an alternative treatment option for oophorectomy, or ovarian irradiation.
Metastatic breast cancer is a form of cancer in which tumors develop as a result of estrogen; in other words, this is a type of cancer that is an estrogen receptor. Tamoxifen Citrate Tables are a non-steroidal antiestrogen, that is, this medication blocks the synthesis of estrogen, which metastatic breast cancer needs to grow, thus reducing estrogen levels and reducing cancer’s ability to spread.
This medication is intended for the treatment of axillary node-negative breast cancer. It is meant to be used with women who have had a total mastectomy or a segmental mastectomy, or an axillary dissection and breast irradiation. Though several studies of the effect of this medication have been conducted, it is not clear which women will benefit from tamoxifen citrate the most.
Research Studies of Tamoxifen Citrate 20 mg
Several scientific studies have been conducted to determine the efficacy of tamoxifen citrate 20 mg. In one particular study, the medication was administered to animal test subjects. It was found that, in rats, the tamoxifen citrate inhibited the induction of mammary carcinoma induced by dimethylbezanthracene (DBMA). It was also found that this drug can cause the regression of already established DMBA-induced tumors. In this study, it appeared that the tamoxifen was able to exert its antitumor effects by binding with the estrogen receptors.
In clinical studies of female test subjects who were receiving 20 mg of tamoxifen citrate, it was found that an estimated 65 percent of the dose that was administered was excreted from the body over a two week period. The primary route of this elimination was through fecal excretion.
Possible Adverse Side Effects
Though mild and very rarely severe enough to warrant the discontinued use of tamoxifen citrate, there is a possibility that patients who take this medication could experience adverse side effects. Side effects should always be considered when you must begin a new medication or health regime. These adverse effects include:
• Increase bone pain
• Tumor pain
• A flare of local disease
• Marked erythema
• Hot flashes
• Hypercalcemia
• Peripheral edema
• a distorted sense of taste
• depression
• dizziness
• light-headedness
• headache
• thinning of hair
• possible hair loss
• vaginal dryness
Before Taking This Medication
Of course, you will consult with your physician before taking this medication and will only take the medication if prescribed by a doctor. The use of tamoxifen citrate will not be permitted if you have any of the following:
• a history of blood clots
• liver disease
• history of stroke
• high cholesterol
• history of cataracts
• if you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy, as the medication does not interact well with these treatments