TAMOXIFEN 20 mg

Tamoxifen is indicated for:
- the treatment of breast cancer.
- the treatment of anovulatory infertility.
- the primary prevention of breast cancer in women at moderate or high risk.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anti-estrogen.

Oestrogen is a natural substance in your body known as a ‘sex hormone’. Some breast cancers need oestrogen to grow, and Tamoxifen works by blocking the effects of oestrogen.

Please refer to the instructions on the prescription established by your medical doctor.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. 
• Swallow the tablets with a glass of water
• You can take Tamoxifen with or without food 

The recommended doses in adults are:

- Breast cancer:
20 mg per day.

- Anovulatory infertility:
If you have regular periods:
You should take Tamoxifen on the second, third, fourth and fifth days of the menstrualcycle. The recommended initial dose is 20 mg daily in either one or two doses.

If this is unsuccessful an increased dose may be given during following menstrual periods: 40 mg then 80 mg daily in either one or two doses.

- Reducing the risk of breast cancer
The recommended dose for reducing the risk of breast cancer is 20 mg daily for 5 years. Your healthcare professional will calculate your risk of breast cancer occurring using information about you, your medical history and any family history of breast cancer.

Elderly
You will usually be given the normal adult dose.
Use in children and adolescents
Children and adolescents should not take Tamoxifen.