What is Tamoxifen Citrate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tamoxifen Citrate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Nolvadex, Soltamox

Generic Names:

  • Tamoxifen Citrate

Uses:

  • Treats breast cancer. May prevent breast cancer in women who have a high risk.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiestrogen

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Tamoxifen Citrate come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Tamoxifen Citrate doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Bottle 60 Tablets

  • Bottle 180 Tablets

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

Common Tamoxifen Citrate prescriptions

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    180 tablets bottle

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    30 tablets bottle

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    60 tablets bottle

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    90 tablets bottle

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    10mg tablet

  • Tamoxifen Citrate
    20mg tablet

How to take Tamoxifen Citrate

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tamoxifen Citrate

  • 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.

Tamoxifen Citrate contraindications

  • 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.

Tamoxifen Citrate warnings

  • 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.

Tamoxifen Citrate interactions

  • 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.

Tamoxifen Citrate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf)

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision or other change in vision

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, vaginal discharge

  • New breast lumps

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Loss of interest in sex or trouble having sex (in men).

  • Weight gain

  • Trouble with sleeping.

  • Feeling of warmth, redness of the skin

  • Back or bone pain

  • Headache, dizziness

  • Rash.

  • Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset

  • Loss of interest in sex or trouble having sex (in men)