Tamoxifen
Breast Cancer is a treatable disease but if it is diagnosed or detected at an early stage. There are many ways to treat the Breast Cancer Patients namely surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. The latest ways of treatment for breast cancer are under trial including Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Followed By Surgery, High Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Transplant and Monoclonal Antidotes as Adjuvant Therapy. Chemotherapy is the treatment by medicine either by mouth or injected through veins. Chemotherapy is mostly done after surgery or along with radiation.
Tamoxifen citrate is the most common drug that is used at the early stage of breast cancer. Tamoxifen was approved on October 29, 1998. The estrogen promotes the cancer cells to grow; Tamoxifen has a tendency to block the effect of estrogen. Tamoxifen is also called antiestrogen. Tamoxifen is considered the best for breast cancer tests positive for estrogen receptors. It has a tendency to slow or stop the growth of the cancer cells that are already present in the body. It is available in 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The dose recommended for the early stage of breast cancer is 20 mg tablet, five days a week for five years. The tablets can be taken once or twice a day. It can prolong the life of the breast cancer patient. If a woman quits the drug before five years as many women do so, she puts herself at high risk of breast cancer recurrence.
There are many questions that arise in the mind of the consumer; you can find consumer information on Tamoxifen at Med Library.Org. The consumer information includes the generic name Tamoxifen and the brand name is Nolvadex. The consumer should know the risks and benefits of the drug. It is important for the patient to discuss with the doctor if you have history of clotting or thrombosis. If you have a history of pulmonary thrombosis, let your doctor know about it too.
Side Effects Of Tamoxifen
The drug has few side effects too including blood clots (thrombosis), endometrial cancer i.e. the cancer of the utrine lining. It can also cause an abnormal growth of the utrine tissue, stroke, fertility issues and hair and nail thinning. Tamoxifen can also cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, discharge and irritation.
There are some points that a patient should discuss before starting the medicine like what should be the dosage? How it should be taken? For how long it should be taken? What can be the side effects of the drug? When all things are cleared in your mind and you have got full information then you can start the dose. Do not quit the drug, as it can be more harmful for the patient. It is important to note that Tamoxifen should not be taken by expecting mothers as it can be harmful for the unborn child.
