Tametro 20mg

• Helps control hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

• Reduces the risk of early breast cancer returning

• Lowers the chance of cancer developing in the other breast

• Helps treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body

• Can be used before or after menopause when clinically appropriate

• Provides a once-daily oral treatment in many treatment plans

• May reduce breast cancer incidence in selected high-risk women

The expected benefit depends on the cancer’s hormone-receptor status, stage, previous treatment and the patient’s individual risk factors.

Oestrogen can act like a growth signal for hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Tamoxifen attaches to oestrogen receptors in breast cells and prevents the hormone from activating them.

When this signal is blocked, hormone-sensitive cancer cells receive less encouragement to grow and divide. This can slow cancer progression and reduce the chance of treated breast cancer returning.

Tamoxifen behaves differently in different parts of the body. It blocks oestrogen in breast tissue but can produce some oestrogen-like effects in the bones and womb. This is why regular monitoring and reporting unusual symptoms are important during treatment.

For many breast cancer treatment plans, the usual tamoxifen dose is 20 mg once daily. Official prescribing information allows a total daily dose of 20 to 40 mg for breast cancer. Doses above 20 mg should be divided between morning and evening.

For ductal carcinoma in situ and breast cancer risk reduction, the standard labelled dose is 20 mg once daily for five years. The duration for diagnosed breast cancer is decided by the oncology team and may extend beyond five years in some treatment plans.

Tamtero 20 mg already provides a complete 20 mg dose in one tablet. Do not take two tablets daily unless this has been specifically prescribed. The tablet can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed with water at approximately the same time each day.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two doses together to replace the missed tablet.

Common Side Effects
Common side effects include hot flushes, nausea, tiredness, headache, leg cramps, skin rash, fluid retention and changes in menstrual periods. Vaginal dryness, itching or discharge can also occur. Some patients notice mood changes or mild hair thinning. Report persistent or difficult side effects to the treatment team rather than stopping the medicine independently.

Serious Side Effects
Tamoxifen can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and changes affecting the lining of the womb, including endometrial cancer. Obtain urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, swelling or pain in one leg, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or severe headache. Unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, vision changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes and signs of a serious allergic reaction also require prompt medical assessment.

Do not take Tamtero 20 mg after a serious allergic reaction to tamoxifen or any ingredient in the tablet. It must not be used during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. For breast cancer risk reduction or treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ, tamoxifen is contraindicated in women who require coumarin-type anticoagulants or have a history of deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

A history of blood clots, stroke, womb problems, liver disease, high cholesterol or planned surgery must be discussed with the treating specialist before starting or continuing treatment.

Tell the oncologist or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and supplements being taken.

Important interactions include:

• Warfarin and similar anticoagulants

• Paroxetine

• Fluoxetine

• Bupropion

• Oestrogen-containing medicines

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Hormonal contraceptives

• Anastrozole and letrozole

• Certain chemotherapy medicines

Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, while some antidepressants can reduce the conversion of tamoxifen into its active form. Oestrogen-containing treatments may work against tamoxifen, and combining it with some cancer medicines can alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of blood clots. Do not start or stop an antidepressant, contraceptive or hormonal treatment without consulting the healthcare professional managing the cancer treatment.

• Store below 30°C.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.

• Protect them from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

• Do not use damaged or discoloured tablets.

• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.

• Return unused tablets to a pharmacy when a disposal service is available.