Nolvadex
Nolvadex is an effective medicine given for treating breast cancer. The drug is also prescribed to prevent cancer that has spread to other parts.
Drug usageThough Nolvadex is considered effective for reducing the risk of breast cancer, there is a possibility of developing endometrial (uterine) cancer while taking the drug.
How takenAlways stick to the prescription and never deviate from what your doctor has recommended. An oral drug, Nolvadex can be taken with food and also in empty stomach. The drug can be taken either with water or any non-alcoholic liquid.
The drug should only be swallowed. Nolvadex should not be crushed, broken or chewed, as it has to be slowly released into the body. The drug should not be stopped on your own even if you feel some relief. You may need to take the drug continuously for very long periods.
Missed doseIt is always advised no to miss any dose of Nolvadex. But if you have forgotten to take a dose, just skip it and continue with your regular dosage. Never compensate for the missed doses.
More informationYou should have to discuss with your doctor if you have allergic reactions to any particular food, medicine or any substance before he prescribes Nolvadex.
Moreover, you should also tell the doctor about all your present and past health history. Tell the physician if you have a history of blood clots, have high levels of calcium in blood, high cholesterol and lipid levels, weak immune system, low white blood cell count, low platelets counts, cataracts and vision problems. If you have any of the above-mentioned problems, the doctor may not give you Nolvadex or he may change the dosage.
Nolvadex drug is known to cause harm to the unborn babe. So it is better that pregnant women avoid the drug. Moreover, it is better not to get pregnant while you are on Nolvadex medication. Though it is not known if the drug causes harm to the newborn, breast-feeding moms should only take the drug only after consulting the doctor about all aspects related to the drug.
Warnings/precautionsNolvadex is also known to interact with certain medicines. So you should have to tell your doctor about all the medicines, prescriptive or non-prescriptive medicines, that you are taking.
Nolvadex is not prescribed if you are taking Anticoagulants, Cytotoxic cancer medicines, Rifampin, Fluorouracil, mitomycin C and Aromatase inhibitors.
After taking the medicine, never drive or perform any hard task, as the drug is known to cause dizziness. The effects can worsen if you consume alcohol.
You should also avoid bruising, as Nolvadex is known to reduce platelets in the blood. As Nolvadex is known to lower the immunity of your body, you should not come in contact with persons who have infections.
Well, while you are on Nolvadex medication, you should have to keep your appointments and lab tests, as the doctor needs to check your blood, breast and other functions.
Side effectsLike all medicines, Nolvadex also comes with many side effects. Some of the common side effects include bone pain, coughing, muscle pain, hot flashes, vaginal discharge and weight loss.
Some of the allergic reactions include hives, swelling and difficult breathing. Some persons may also come across serious side effects including abnormal periods, vaginal bleeding, chest pain, dark urine and decreased sexual desire.