Generic name:tamoxifen (oral route) [ ta-MOX-i-fen ]
Drug classes:Hormones / antineoplastics, Selective estrogen receptor modulators
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2022.
Serious, life-threatening, and fatal events from use of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Discuss risks and benefits of tamoxifen with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) when considering tamoxifen use to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. For most patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks .
Oral route(Tablet)Serious and life-threatening uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism have been associated with tamoxifen use in the risk reduction setting (women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and women at high risk for breast cancer). Some of these adverse events were fatal. Health care providers should discuss the potential benefits versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk of breast cancer and women with DCIS considering tamoxifen to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. The benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer .
The Nolvadex brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Nolvadex
- Soltamox
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antiestrogen
Uses for Nolvadex
Tamoxifen is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (eg, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body [metastatic], early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer after surgery and radiation treatment). It is also used
