TAMOXIFEN CITRATE

Tamoxifen citrate is an anti-estrogen medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on 29 October 1998 for the treatment of breast cancer and infertility.

Tamoxifen citrate helps to treat and prevent breast cancer. It is also used to treat infertility in women caused by a failure to produce and release eggs properly. Cancer is a disorder in which cells multiply in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner.

Tamoxifen citrate is a prescription medicine available as a tablet in two doses, Tamoxifen citrate 10mg and 20mg. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Tamoxifen citrate are nausea, vomiting, skin rash, hot flushes, tiredness, changes in vision, taste, numbness or tingling in the skin, high levels of fats in your blood, anemia and leg cramps. Some serious side effects also include blood clot (chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling weak, swelling of leg or calf), swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, itching, stroke, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, irregular periods, a feeling of discomfort in the lower tummy (pain or pressure) and swelling of feet, ankles, or hands.

Tamoxifen citrate should not be used if you are pregnant, taking treatment for infertility, taking medicines to treat blood clots, and if you have had or having blood clots with the cause not known.

Talk to your doctor if you have uterine cancer or other problems with your uterus, irregular periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or had a stroke before taking this medicine. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least 9 months after the last dose.

Inform your doctor if you have allergies or intolerances, glucose intolerance, liver disease, kidney disease, or are taking other medications for any medical condition. Take this medication daily at the same fixed time. Do not exceed the prescribed dose as it may cause severe complications. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harmful effects to the developing fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or undergoing fertility treatment before starting this medication. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery as this medication may cause dizziness and impaired concentration.

Wockhardt UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on July 2018] [ Accessed on 16th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2248.pdf AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Aug 2004] [Accessed on 16th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/17970s053lbl.pdf Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Estrogens and progestins, 12th edition, 2011, 1177 - 1178. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Estrogens, progestins and contraceptives, 7th edition, 2013, 313.