Comparison of online pharmacies by Drug: Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
What Is Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)?
Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) is called an antiestrogen drug, which describes how it works. It blocks the tumor from using estrogen by filling up the estrogen receptors in the tumor. Fewer “parking places” for the real estrogen means less gets to the tumor, slowing or stopping the tumor’s growth and, in some cases, causing the death of the cancer cells. Because tamoxifen also can work in ER-negative tumors, it probably interferes with cancer cells’ growth in other ways, too.
Nolvadex Indications
Tamoxifen has been used since the 1970s to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women and, since 1989, premenopausal women as well. It can induce remission or shrinkage of the tumor in more than half of these women. And it can produce a response regardless of a woman’s lymph node status or her tumor’s ER status. The greatest advantage, however, tends to be seen in women who have evidence of cancer in their lymph nodes and who have ER-positive tumors.
Tamoxifen also is used as adjuvant therapy, after surgery and/or radiation, to prevent recurrence of cancer in early-stage breast cancer. It is used routinely in postmenopausal women but again is effective in selected premenopausal women as well. Study results show that tamoxifen reduces the risk of cancer recurring by 25 percent in these women. It also reduces, by 39 percent, the chances of new breast cancer.
Finally, tamoxifen can delay the recurrence of breast cancer and prolong the lives of women with breast cancer.
Nolvadex (tamoxifen) and its Secondary Effects
Postmenopausal women typically have progressive bone loss (osteoporosis) and a higher risk of heart disease that increases with age, because of the loss of “protective” estrogen with menopause. Despite tamoxifen’s anti-estrogen effects on breast cancer cells, it does not cause further harm in these two areas.
Course of Therapy
Nolvadex (tamoxifen) comes in tablet form and is taken at home, every day, just like any other prescription drug. Typically 20 mg, one or two tablets, is taken orally (by mouth) every day. The treatment can last for five years or more.
Treatment begins soon after surgery or radiation, usually within two to six weeks in early-stage breast cancer, but this varies for advanced disease.
Following the start of tamoxifen in metastatic cancer, an unusual “flare” reaction may occur. This consists of an apparent worsening of symptoms, such as bone pain and an increase in tumor size. Also, it may produce an excess of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), resulting in nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion – symptoms that should be reported to the doctor. This reaction fades after a few days to weeks and is considered by some to be a good sign that tamoxifen is working.
The “flare” reaction can be seen after starting some other hormonal therapies also, such as estrogens and androgen. Tamoxifen and other hormonal treatments are generally continued for as long as the disease remains under control in those with metastatic disease.
Side Effects of Nolvadex (tamoxifen)
Tamoxifen causes few side effects, and these are generally mild. The most frequent problems are menopausal symptoms – hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irritation, and irregular periods – seen in premenopausal women. There may be some abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, which should be reported to the doctor. Another drug may be given to help reduce the hot flashes if necessary, and a lubricant may be needed during sexual activity.
Other rare side effects include blurred vision, nausea or stomach upset, skin rash, mood changes, weight gain, and blood clots. If any of these effects are noticed, they can be discussed with the doctor.
Fewer than 5 percent of women have to stop taking tamoxifen because of intolerable or severe side effects.
Sex, the Younger Woman, and Tamoxifen
Despite tamoxifen’s menopausal-like side effects, it does not decrease a woman’s fertility. So premenopausal women must be careful about getting pregnant – but don’t take birth control pills! Your doctor can advise about which methods of contraception to use during tamoxifen (Nolvadex) therapy.
Understanding Risks & Benefits of Tamoxifen
Opportunity to buy Nolvadex (tamoxifen) online
Today you can buy Nolvadex using online stores. The cost, depending on the number of tablets per pack, can be invitingly low. View Nolvadex prices online, at the site of the web pharmacy above. You can also see how to order Nolvadex to the country in which you are a resident.
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