Nolvadex

Novaldex is a medication that is taken by mouth. It acts to block the effects of estrogen in certain parts of the body.

Benefits of Novaldex
Tamoxifen has been used for the treatment of Estrogen Receptor-positive breast cancers in order to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Tamoxifen has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of new cancers in the opposite breast in women with early breast cancer.

The American Breast Cancer Prevention Trial looked at the use of tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen was given at 20 milligrams per day. After a follow-up of 48 months, researchers found that there was almost a 50% reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer in the women taking tamoxifen.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of tamoxifen to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk. In addition, guidelines issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) state that tamoxifen should be administered for five years in women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

It is very important that women who are considering tamoxifen therapy understand its potential adverse effects.

Other potential benefits of Novaldex
Tamoxifen may have additional benefits with regards to prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease. However, these benefits mostly apply for women who are post-menopausal.

Osteoporosis
Women are at risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to the decreased production of estrogen. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become gradually thin and weakened making them easily susceptible to fractures. Tamoxifen helps the bones to maintain their strength. However, it is not FDA approved for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Heart Disease
Tamoxifen has not been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the role of tamoxifen in cardiovascular disease has not been established.

Potential Adverse Effects
Tamoxifen in some women increases the severity of hot flashes.


Tamoxifen increases the risk of developing cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). However, all of the endometrial cancers were localized (stage I), and no deaths occurred due to this disease. Most cases of cancer occurred in women older than age 50.


Recent data has also shown an increased risk of developing uterine sarcomas.


Tamoxifen may promote blood clots in the veins, usually in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT); Tamoxifen may also promote blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).


Tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts.

Women who take tamoxifen prior to menopause should use an appropriate non-hormonal method of birth control. This is because hormonal contraceptives may alter the effects of tamoxifen.

Patients should immediately notify their doctors if they suspect that they have become pregnant while on tamoxifen.