Tamoxifen Flashcards
1
Q
Action
A
Hormone treatment
Some breast cancers need oestrogen to grow. They have receptors on their surface and oestrogen bids to the receptors to make the cancer grow. Tamoxifen blocks these receptors, stopping the cancer from growing.
2
Q
Timeline
A
Once a day
3
Q
How to take
A
Tablet (20mg) - any time of day but try to keep at same time
4
Q
Length of tx
A
5 or 10 years
5
Q
Effects - time before
A
-
6
Q
Tests
A
Regular monitoring and check ups
May needs blood tests from time to time
7
Q
Important side effects
A
Hot flushes Nausea and vomiting Headache Dizziness / lightneadedness Genital itching Menstrual changes
8
Q
Complications & contraindications
A
Comlications - DVT, PE, allergic reaction, endometrial problems
Contraindications - DVT, irregular periods, pregnancy and breastfeeding, porphyria, HRT / OCP
9
Q
Supplementary advice
A
Don’t get pregnant
