Nolvadex

Nolvadex is used to treat and prevent certain types of breast cancer. In particular, the prescription drug is used to treat metastatic breast cancer, node-positive breast cancer, and ductal carcinoma in situ. It is also used to prevent the disease in women who are at high risk for it. Nolvadex tablets are typically taken once or twice a day. Possible side effects include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and nausea.

 

What Is Nolvadex?

Nolvadex® (tamoxifen citrate) is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent breast cancer. Specifically, Nolvadex has been licensed for the following uses:
 
  • Treatment of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the breasts) in men and women
     
  • Treatment of node-positive breast cancer (breast cancer that involves the lymph nodes) in postmenopausal women who have undergone breast cancer surgery or radiation
     
  • Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is early cancer of the ducts of the breasts that has not yet spread to the rest of the breast, in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery or radiation to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer
     
  • Breast cancer prevention in women who are at high risk for the disease.
     
(Click Nolvadex Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Nolvadex?

Brand-name Nolvadex was made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, but is no longer being made. However, generic Nolvadex is available and is made by several different manufacturers.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;