Nolvadex

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)

Nolvadex is an antitumor prescription drug that has been shown to be highly effective in treating breast cancer. The drug is no longer released under this brand in the USA, but its generics are still available. One of the Nolvadex generic names - Tamoxifen.

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is prescribed to both men and women. Nolvadex in men is used for gynecomastia and breast cancer.

Drug Info

• Brand Name: Nolvadex
• Active Ingredient: Tamoxifen
• Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

The Mechanism of action

The drug contains the active substance Tamoxifen, belonging to the group of estrogen receptor agonists (ERAA), which are also called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). These substances can have different effects in different tissues of the body, reducing or stimulating estrogenic action selectively where necessary.

When taking the drug, estrogen cannot attach to the malignant cell in the breast gland because the receptors contain the active agent. As a result, its growth and reproduction stop. Tamoxifen is effective only in the case of estrogen-positive cancer. Inhibiting the action of estrogen in the breast, the active substance has an estrogen-like effect in other organs (uterus and bones).

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood is achieved after 4-7 hours. A steady-state concentration of the active substance in the blood is observed after 3-4 weeks of treatment. Metabolization occurs in the liver with the formation of several metabolites.

The half-life of tamoxifen is 7-14 hours. Excretion occurs mainly with feces and slightly with urine.

Dosage and indications

There are several options for Nolvadex dosage. Nolvadex pills are released in dosages of 10 mg and 20 mg. The drug is prescribed with the aim of:

• prevention of malignant neoplasm in the breast in the case of high (3 times above average) or moderately high (1.5-3 times above average) risk of its development
• drug therapy after surgery for a tumor removal if lymph nodes are not affected, or if the tumor is benign
• metastatic breast cancer treatment
• therapy of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after surgery and radiation therapy
• ovarian cancer treatment
• the prevention of gynecomastia and the recovery of hormonal backgrounds in athletes and bodybuilders

Note: The doctor may use the drug to treat other conditions if he deems it necessary.

Rules of intake and treatment plans

The tablet is washed down with a glass of water and swallowed whole. It is advisable to take the drug at the same time. If you forgot to take the pill, do it as soon as you remember about it, but it is better to skip the intake if the time is coming for another pill. In this case, simply follow the treatment plan without doubling the dosage. The following treatment regimens are possible:

• To prevent the risk of developing breast cancer, the pills are prescribed at a dosage of 10-20 mg daily
• When diagnosed with "breast cancer", the initial dosage is 20 mg, and can be increased to 40 mg daily
• Nolvadex is used in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg dosages to prevent gynecomastia after a course of anabolic steroids

The duration of treatment

Nolvadex treatment lasts 5-10 years, depending on the severity of the diagnosis.

• At an early stage of diagnosed estrogen-positive breast cancer, the drug is prescribed after surgery and taken for 5 years to reduce the risk of relapse. After that, the doctor can prescribe another drug or extend the course of Nolvadex for another 5 years
• At the late stage of diagnosed estrogen-positive breast cancer, Nolvadex is taken as much as is deemed appropriate and till the benefit of its use surpasses the side effects
• At high and moderate risk of developing estrogen-positive breast cancer, the drug is taken for five years with further consultation with a specialist

Taking the drug for 10 years shows greater effectiveness in reducing the risk of disease and death than 5-year therapy, especially for premenopausal women. The possible benefits of taking the drug for a long time should be discussed with the doctor.

Side effects of Nolvadex

Nolvadex can provoke a number of undesirable side effects. They are divided into more common, less common, and also dangerous.

The most common complaints are:

• violation of the cycle
• hot flashes
• bladder pain, burning sensation during urination or difficulty urinating
• cloudy urine
• dizziness
• fever
• palpitations
• fast weight gain
• weakness, fatigue
• hoarseness
• abdominal distension
• cough, and so on

The less common Nolvadex side effects include:

• gum bleeding
• chest pain
• increased nervousness
• discomfort and weight in the stomach

Dangerous adverse effects of taking the drug are as follows:

• visual impairment
• eye pain
• changes in mental state
• nausea and vomiting
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing
• vaginal bleeding not related to menstruation
• severe allergic reaction

Most often, side effects become less pronounced during treatment, but if they increase or dangerous side effects manifest, immediately contact a doctor!

Precaution

Notify the doctor if you have ever been allergic to:

• tamoxifen or other components of the drug
• any antiestrogenic drugs
• other medicines
• foodstuffs, preservatives and dyes

Also, be sure to report the presence of such diseases, as:

• deep vein thrombosis
• hereditary angioneurotic edema
• stroke
• vaginal bleeding
• pulmonary embolism
• diabetes
• cataract
• blood diseases
• high blood pressure
• liver diseases

Nolvadex for athletes and bodybuilders

Nolvadex is used during or after a course of anabolic steroids to block the effect of estrogen. The drug binds to estrogen receptors in the mammary gland, preventing the risk of gynecomastia and lowering testosterone levels. Nolvadex restores the natural balance of hormones in the body.

Using Nolvadex during a cycle and after a course of steroids

Nolvadex can be used during or after a course of steroids. Usually, they take 10mg of Nolvadex during a cycle every day or every other day. The minimum dosage reduces the likelihood of side effects but ensures the desired result.

When taking Nolvadex after a course of anabolic steroids, patients begin with a maximum dosage of 40 mg, reducing it in a few weeks to 20 mg and then to 10 mg.

Testosterone deficiency can be indicated by such symptoms, as depression and reduced mental activity. The dosage of Nolvadex should be reduced as health improves.

Combination with other medications

The action of some drugs can reduce the effectiveness of Nolvadex, so you should inform if you are using other drugs, such as:

• oral contraceptives
• hormone replacement therapy
• blood thinners
• chemotherapy drugs
• aromatase inhibitors, etc.

If your condition worsens or negative side effects occur while taking the drug simultaneously with other drugs, be sure to inform the doctor.

Effect on test results

Taking the drug can provoke false results of some medical tests, particularly a thyroid hormone test. If you are to undergo such tests, the laboratory should know that you are taking Nolvadex.

Benefits of the drug

With Nolvadex, the risk of breast cancer relapse is reduced by 40%-50% in postmenopausal women and by 30%-50% in premenopausal women. The risk of tumor development in the second breast is also reduced by 50%.

By selectively acting on estrogen receptors in the body, the drug activates the effect of this hormone on bones and liver cells. As a result, patients experience the following:

• the loss of bone mass in postmenopausal stops
• cholesterol level reduces

Nolvadex for pregnant and breastfeeding

Tamoxifen is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, do not take the drug if you are planning a pregnancy or trying to get pregnant. It can damage the fetus.

If you are protecting yourself from unwanted pregnancy, choose only non-hormonal drugs. After taking the last dose of Nolvadex, it must take at least two months until you begin your attempts to conceive. Contraceptive use should continue throughout this period.

Additional recommendations

• Do not stop taking the drug until the doctor recommends you to do so
• If you have strong hot flashes while taking your medication, consult your doctor on ways to mitigate them
• Antiemetics can be used to eliminate nausea; eating frequently and in small portions is also recommended
• Avoid exposure to the sun and use sunscreen with high SPF
• Minimize or eliminate alcohol consumption
• Maintain the right diet that provides the body with all the necessary nutrients
• Have enough rest
• Keep your doctor informed of any side effects that may occur during treatment

Storage conditions and shelf life

Nolvadex tablets should be stored in a place protected from light and inaccessible to children at temperatures below 30°C. The shelf life of the drug is 5 years. Do not use the medication after this period or if the packaging is damaged.

How to buy Nolvadex

The drug is available only on a doctor’s prescription. Therefore, before you buy it, you need to visit a specialist. The price of the drug is affordable, and you can buy it in any pharmacy. Where to buy Nolvadex to be sure of the quality and safety of the drug?

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