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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

what is the difference in nolvadex (tamoxifen) and nolvadex (tamoxifen) d?

Accepted Answer

Check ingredients: As far as I know there is only one Nolvadex (tamoxifen). The chemical ingredient in it is called Tamoxifen which is an anti-estrogen commonly used to treat breast Cancer.

Question 7

what is tamoxifen and why is it used in cancer research?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen blocker: Hi. Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor antagonist. Certain cancers (most notably estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) are stimulated to proliferate in response to estrogen, and blocking estrogen action at its receptor or blocking estrogen production by blocking the aromatase enzyme have been shown to be very therapeutic. Tamoxifen is not useful in cancer research that does nor involve estrogen

Question 8

does tamoxifen affect the joints?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One side effect can be joint pain.

Question 9

does tamoxifen cause weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Tamoxifine is a first generation of designer estrogen (i.e., estrogen analogue).  All estrogenic compounds may potentially increase weight, but not much.  Tamixifene may increase weight of the user by approximately 1 to 2 lbs.  Similar effects may also exist with the second generation estrogen agonist/antagonists analogues, such as raloxifine.  Weight-gains are lesser than with estrogen compounds.

Question 10

does taking tamoxifen really benefit dcis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Tam has 3 rolls-1)w/invasive cancer, it's systemic therapy like chemo 2)in breast conservation (dcis or inv) it reduces the risk of local recur above and beyond surgery & XRT 3)it reduces the chance do a second/new er+ breast cancer elsewhere in the same or opposite breast by 40-50%.

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Doctor answers about:

What is tamoxifen allergy

A member asked:

How does tamoxifen actually work?

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Who should avoid taking tamoxifen?

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What are possible reactions to drug tamoxifen?

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 is the difference in nolvadex (tamoxifen) and nolvadex (tamoxifen) d?

A member asked:

What is tamoxifen and why is it used in cancer research?

A member asked:

Does tamoxifen affect the joints?

A member asked:

Does tamoxifen cause weight gain?

A member asked:

Does taking tamoxifen really benefit dcis?

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