Question 1

how does tamoxifen actually work?

Accepted Answer

Blocks estrogen: Some breast cancer cells have receptors on them that bind to estrogen in order to grow. Tamoxifen acts as an "antagonist" and blocks estrogen from binding to these receptors on the cancer cells by binding to them first. With tamoxifen sitting in estrogen's place, the cancer cell can no longer grow.

Question 2

how much tamoxifen is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Once per day: Tamoxifen is most commonly used to treat breast cancer.  The dose is (usually) 20mg per day and taken for 5 years.  This medication is also used for people considered "high risk" for breast cancer to help decrease their risk of developing it in the future.
I recommend you speak with your oncologist about specific recommendations for your case.

Question 3

who should avoid taking tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women: Tamoxifen is most often prescribed for the prevention or treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.  Tamoxifen may increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, uterine cancer, and cataracts, however the benefits usually outweigh the risk.  Pregnancy should be avoided when on tamoxifen due to it's association with birth defects in animal studies.

Question 4

what are the effects of tamoxifen ?

Accepted Answer

Blocks ER: Tam binds and blocks signals to the estrogen receptor present in er+ breast cancer.   While this has benefits in cancer treatment it produces side effects - menopausal symptoms, possible uterine wall thickening & even malignancy if ignored, & increased risk of blood clots (similar to hormone replacement). In most cases of ca the benefits far outway the risks but must be weighed in risk reduction.

Question 5

is there an alernative to tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Aromatase inhibitors are a class of drugs that have been found to be as or slightly more effective than tamoxifen for the treatment of estrogen-receptor + breast cancer patients;  however, its use is limited to post-menopausal women.  Tamoxifen is also used for breast cancer prevention;  Raloxifene is an acceptable alternative in most clinical situations.

Question 6

what are possible reactions to drug tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

3 main ones: 1-blood clots/ strokes
2-endometrial carcinoma
3-cataracts
hot flashes/ dryness.

Question 7

does taking tamoxifen benefit women with cdis?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Women with a history of ductal-carcinoma-in-situ (dcis) may have a 50% reduction in developing a second breast cancer when taking tamoxifen for 5 years ("chemoprevention").  Furthermore, following a lumpectomy, the combination of tamoxifen and radiation therapy may have a decreased risk of cancer recurrence in the affected breast greater than either therapy alone.

Question 8

is it possible for me to just stop taking tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

Of course: But is it advised by yoiur doctor or not? Please check if it is time to stop or not. If you have received the maximum possible benefit, then you can stop it and you will not have ill effects due to tamoxifen.

Question 9

what happens if you stop taking tamoxifen for a week?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: Simply resume your regular dosing and tell your doctor who prescribed it.

Question 10

what are the common risk factors for taking tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

Side effects?: The most experienced side effects of all hormonal therapy are menopausal symptoms (ie.Hot flashes, etc).  There is a small increased risk of blood clots similar to hormone replacement therapy,  in women with an intact uterus, there can be irreg bleeding and thickening of the uterine wall.  If ignored this can rarely progress to uterine cancer that can be cured with a hysterectomy.

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Doctor answers about:

Tamoxifen

A member asked:

How does tamoxifen actually work?

A member asked:

How much tamoxifen is recommended?

A member asked:

Who should avoid taking tamoxifen?

A member asked:

What are the effects of tamoxifen ?

A member asked:

Is there an alernative to tamoxifen?

A member asked:

What are possible reactions to drug tamoxifen?

A member asked:

Does taking tamoxifen benefit women with cdis?

A member asked:

Is it possible for me to just stop taking tamoxifen?

A member asked:

What happens if you stop taking tamoxifen for a week?

A member asked:

What are the common risk factors for taking tamoxifen?

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