Tamoxifen: Mechanism of Action and Uses

Tamoxifen is a medication used in the treatment of breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Tamoxifen works by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, thereby reducing the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancers.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription at pharmacies and cancer treatment centers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Tamoxifen FAQ


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What is tamoxifen used for?

Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer. It is sometimes used to treat other cancers and conditions. It may also be used to prevent breast cancer. What is tamoxifen? What is tamoxifen? to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and to prevent a new cancer developing in the other breast – you take it for a number of years

Does tamoxifen block oestrogen?

Many breast cancers rely on the hormone oestrogen to grow. This type of breast cancer is called oestrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer. Tamoxifen blocks oestrogen from reaching the cancer cells. Tamoxifen comes as tablets or syrup you can take at home. You may have tamoxifen on its own, or with other drugs.

How long does tamoxifen last?

People who take tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer usually have it for 5 years. You have blood tests during your treatment. They check your levels of blood cells and other substances in the blood. They also check how well your liver and kidneys are working.

Is tamoxifen a generic drug?

Tamoxifen is marketed under the brand names Nolvadex and Soltamox, and a variety of other brand names throughout the world. Global sales of tamoxifen in 2001 were approximately $1.02 billion. Since the expiration of the patent in 2002, it is widely available as a generic drug around the world.

Does tamoxifen treat breast cancer?

Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer in both premenopausal women (women who have not yet gone through the menopause) and postmenopausal women. It can also be taken by men who have breast cancer. Some breast cancers use oestrogen in the body to help them to grow. These are known as oestrogen receptor positive or ER-positive breast cancers.

How do you pronounce tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy drug to treat breast cancer in women and men. It is also sometimes called endocrine therapy. You pronounce tamoxifen as ta-mox-si-fen. Women who have a high risk of breast cancer because of a family history might have tamoxifen. This is to reduce the risk of breast cancer from developing.

Is tamoxifen a carcinogen?

The American Cancer Society lists tamoxifen as a known carcinogen, stating that it increases the risk of some types of uterine cancer while lowering the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen treatment of postmenopausal women is associated with beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles.

Tamoxifen References

If you want to know more about Tamoxifen, consider exploring links below:

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