Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is an anti-oestrogen medicine for hormone-sensitive breast cancer and for lowering risk in high-risk women; PockDose lists tamoxifen tablets and generic Nolvadex, both in 10mg and 20mg.
Tamoxifen in plain terms
Tamoxifen belongs to the SERMs, selective oestrogen receptor modulators, which means it blocks oestrogen in some tissues and mimics it in others. In breast tissue it blocks, and that is the point of it: many breast cancers grow in response to oestrogen, and a cell whose receptors are occupied by tamoxifen does not receive the growth signal. Elsewhere it behaves more like oestrogen, which helps protect bone density in some women but also explains why it affects the womb lining.
What tamoxifen is used for
The main use is hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Tamoxifen treats early disease after surgery to cut the chance of it returning, and treats cancer that has spread beyond the breast in men and women. It is also given to women who have had DCIS, and to women whose age and family history put them at high risk, to reduce the chance that breast cancer develops. In some countries it is used for anovulation (when ovulation does not occur) in women trying to conceive, though that is a minor use.
The two listings
Both are tablets in 10mg and 20mg, so strength and form do not separate them:
- Tamoxifen tablets, listed under the ingredient name.
- Nolvadex, generic tamoxifen sold under the name of the brand that made tamoxifen familiar.
Order whichever name you recognise, and pick the strength and pack from the page.
Taking it, and what to expect
Five years is a long time to take a tablet every morning, and the course really does run that long, so build it into a routine. The tablet goes down whole, once or twice a day, and a meal makes no difference. Stopping early gives up the benefit. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal discharge and irregular periods are what most people notice, along with nausea, tiredness and mood swings. The rare problems are more serious: clots in the legs or lungs, stroke, cataracts, liver changes and cancer of the womb lining. That is why unusual vaginal bleeding is never ignored.
Anastrozole and letrozole are not combined with it, and warfarin, rifampicin and some antidepressants (paroxetine, fluoxetine) alter its effect or its safety. It must not be used in pregnancy, and reliable non-hormonal contraception is needed during treatment.
Sources
- Tamoxifen: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Tamoxifen 20mg Film-Coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) — UK Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC)
Where can I order Tamoxifen for delivery in Hong Kong?
Tamoxifen can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range covers Tamoxifen tablets in 10mg and 20mg and generic Nolvadex tablets in 10mg and 20mg. An order can be cancelled within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support answers 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
What is the price of Tamoxifen?
Prices vary between the two tamoxifen products and between pack sizes. Every product page lists its current prices in HKD or in the currency you choose.
Is there a generic Nolvadex?
Yes, generic Nolvadex is listed as 10mg and 20mg tablets and contains tamoxifen. Tamoxifen tablets in 10mg and 20mg, the plain version, are also listed.
What is another name for tamoxifen?
Nolvadex is a brand name of tamoxifen, which is also sold as Soltamox. Here, tamoxifen can be bought online as generic Nolvadex and tamoxifen tablets. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between tamoxifen and Nolvadex?
Nolvadex is a brand name and tamoxifen is the ingredient. The Nolvadex listing here is generic tamoxifen, available in the same 10mg and 20mg tablets as the plain tamoxifen listing.
Does tamoxifen cause weight gain?
Some people gain weight on tamoxifen and some do not; fluid retention and a bigger appetite are the usual reasons. It is a known but mild effect, and it is not seen in everyone.
Does tamoxifen stop periods?
It can. Periods may become irregular, lighter or stop altogether during treatment, but ovulation can still happen, so pregnancy remains possible and non-hormonal contraception is needed.