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Treatment of neoplasms is possible with several methods. One of them is drug therapy. Tamoxifen is a substance used in the fight against hormone-dependent cancers. Its reception must be strictly supervised by an oncologist.
Tamoxifen – how much?
Tamoxifen is an organic compound belonging to the group of selective estrogen receptor modulators. It is one of the hormonal drugs used in pharmacological cancer therapy. It is an alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Tamoxafen can modify the functional and metabolic processes selectively determined by estrogens in specific tissues.
Tamoxifen – indications
Due to the fact that tamoxifen is one of the types of hormonal drugs, i.e. the so-called antiestrogens, it is used in the treatment of hormone-dependent tumors. These include breast cancer (breast cancer), endometrial cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, there are indications for the use of tamoxifen as an adjunct to primary breast cancer therapy, as well as advanced treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Tamoxifen, as a type of antiestrogen, is also used in the treatment of other diseases, including oligospermia and infertility resulting from anovulation.
Tamoxifen – action
Tamoxifen works by selectively inhibiting estrogen receptors inside cells which possess such receptors. This makes estrogens unable to bind to the cells of estrogen-dependent tissue. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors in the tissues of the mammary gland, has an estrogenic effect on the uterine mucosa, i.e. the endometrium, as well as on plasma lipids and the skeleton. Moreover, tamoxifen supports the effect of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Its reduced activity results from the development of malignant tumors.
The effects of treating tumors with tamoxifen can be seen as early as 4-10 weeks after the start of therapy. In contrast, in patients with bone metastases, the response will not be noticeable until several months later.
Tamoxifen – dosage
Tamoxifen tablets should be taken orally. Daily doses and frequency of taking the drug are determined by the attending physician. Adherence to its recommendations is essential for the correct and effective treatment of tamoxifen. It is important not to drink alcohol during treatment.
Tamoxifen – side effects
The more common side effects seen with tamoxifen include:
- liver damage
- deep vein thrombosis,
- hot flushes,
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches,
- flushing of the face
- bleeding from the genital tract.
Less commonly, taking tamoxifen causes:
- bone marrow disorders,
- digestive tract disorders,
- increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
In the treatment of infertility, tamoxifen may affect menstrual disorders, and in the treatment of breast cancer in premenopausal women, it can also inhibit menstruation.
Tamoxifen – contraindications
Before starting treatment with tamoxifen, the treating physician should consider any contraindications to the use of the drug. These are:
- liver disease
- hypercalcemia,
- bleeding from the genital tract,
- ovarian cysts and tumors,
- severe thrombocytopenia,
- leukopenia,
- pregnancy,
- hypersensitivity to any substances contained in the drug, including the active substance – tamoxifen.
Possible, although requiring careful observation of a physician, treatment with tamoxifen is possible in the case of diabetes, visual disturbances, kidney diseases, and thromboembolism.
Tamoxifen – cena
The substance is available in a prescription drug called Tamoxifen in pharmacies. The price of tamoxifen in a package of 30 tablets is about PLN 14, although the drug is fully reimbursed.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.