How to Properly Take Tamoxifen: A Breast Cancer Treatment

There are several treatment options for breast cancer, though they are typically determined by the severity of the disease when found. Hormone therapy is typically used to prevent recurrence, and according to the American Cancer Society (2015), it can be administered as the sole treatment for cancer that has returned after initial treatment. One specific drug used for hormone therapy is Tamoxifen; this post will serve as a tutorial on how to correctly take this medication.

According to “Tamoxifen,” an article published on U.S National Library of Medicine (2010), there are several steps to follow to appropriately take this medication.

1)    Tamoxifen tablets should be consumed orally. Be sure to take the pill whole. Thus, do not crush, chew, or split the pill.

2)    The pill can be taken with or without food, but water is highly recommended.

3)    Take one pill at a time, typically once or twice a day. However, this is determined by the treating physician.

4)    Follow the treatment plan as strictly as possible; therefore, remembering to take the pills each day to ensure no missed doses.

Other skills to follow appropriately utilize this medication include “[keeping] Tamoxifen in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom)” (Tamoxifen, 2010).

As with any prescription, there is an increased risk for side effects. “The most common side effects of these drugs include fatigue, hot flashes, vaginal dryness or discharge, and mood swings“ (Hormone therapy for breast cancer, 2015). If these symptoms are severe and/or persistent, it is recommended to see a physician immediately (Tamoxifen, 2010).

Works Cited

Hormone therapy for breast cancer. (2015, June 10). Retrieved July 30, 2015.

Tamoxifen: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (201, September 1). Retrieved July 30, 2015, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682414.html