Tamoxican 20 mg

Oestrogen can act like fuel for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It attaches to receptors on cancer cells and encourages them to grow and multiply.

Tamoxifen attaches to these receptors first, preventing oestrogen from activating them. Once the hormonal signal is blocked, the cancer cells receive less support for their growth.

Tamoxican works differently in other parts of the body. Although it blocks oestrogen in breast tissue, it can have oestrogen-like effects on the bones, liver and womb. This selective action explains both its treatment benefits and some of its important side effects.

Oestrogen can act like fuel for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It attaches to receptors on cancer cells and encourages them to grow and multiply.

Tamoxifen attaches to these receptors first, preventing oestrogen from activating them. Once the hormonal signal is blocked, the cancer cells receive less support for their growth.

Tamoxican works differently in other parts of the body. Although it blocks oestrogen in breast tissue, it can have oestrogen-like effects on the bones, liver and womb. This selective action explains both its treatment benefits and some of its important side effects.

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. Any dose above 20 mg should be divided between morning and evening.

For ductal carcinoma in situ and breast cancer risk reduction, the standard labelled dosage is 20 mg once daily for five years. Treatment for diagnosed breast cancer may continue for several years, with the exact duration decided by the oncology team.

One Tamoxican tablet already contains 20 mg of tamoxifen. Do not take two tablets unless a higher dose has been specifically prescribed. Take the tablet at approximately the same time each day, with or without food, and swallow it whole with water.

Common Side Effects
Common side effects include hot flushes, night sweats, nausea, tiredness, headache, leg cramps, skin rash and fluid retention. Tamoxican can also cause vaginal dryness, discharge, menstrual changes, mood changes or mild hair thinning. These effects should be discussed with the treatment team if they continue or become difficult to manage.

Serious Side Effects
Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, liver problems, vision changes and changes in the lining of the womb. Obtain urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, swelling or pain in one leg, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or a severe headache. Unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, yellow skin or eyes and swelling of the face or throat also require prompt medical attention.

• People allergic to tamoxifen

• Pregnant women

• Women planning pregnancy

• Breastfeeding women

• People taking warfarin for breast cancer prevention or DCIS

• People with previous deep-vein thrombosis when used for prevention or DCIS

• People with previous pulmonary embolism when used for prevention or DCIS

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

Important interactions include:

• Warfarin and similar anticoagulants

• Paroxetine

• Fluoxetine

• Bupropion

• Rifampicin

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Oestrogen-containing contraceptives

• Anastrozole

• Letrozole

• Certain chemotherapy medicines

Some antidepressants can reduce the body’s ability to convert tamoxifen into its active form. Warfarin may increase bleeding risk, while oestrogen-containing products may work against the treatment. Do not start or stop an antidepressant, contraceptive or hormonal medicine without consulting the treatment team.

• Store below 30°C.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.

• Protect them from heat, moisture and 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 possible.