Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer or reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. Tamoxifen is in a class of drugs known as antiestrogens; it blocks the activity of estrogen, a female hormone produced by the body in the breast. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

Tamoxifen may cause uterine cancer, strokes, and blood clots in the lungs. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot in the lungs or legs, a stroke, or a heart attack. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular menstrual periods, changes in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. In women who do have breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks.

For more information on Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate), click here.