Tamoxifen
In stock
10mg · 20mg
from 29,23 £
In brief
- Tamoxifen tablets at Pharmacy London24 are supplied in 10mg and 20mg strengths, each available in packs of 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 or 360, with UK delivery in 9–21 days.
- Acting as an anti-oestrogen in breast tissue, it is prescribed after surgery for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, in advanced disease, and occasionally to reduce risk where family history is strong.
- Each strength holds a UK licence. Choose a fixed time of day for the tablet, and protect against pregnancy with condoms or another non-hormonal method, as hormonal contraceptives do not suit this treatment.
- Blood clots are slightly more likely and the womb lining can change, so report any unexpected vaginal bleeding, and mention the medicine before an operation or prolonged travel.
- Possible effects include hot flushes, queasiness, leg cramps and thinning hair; visual changes deserve a prompt check. In the UK it is a prescription-only medicine.
Basic tamoxifen information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Tamoxifen
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Nolvadex, Soltamox (oral solution) and generic tamoxifen tablets
- ATC code: L02BA01
- Forms and dosages: Oral tablets 10 mg and 20 mg; oral solution 10 mg/5 mL
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: AstraZeneca and generic manufacturers such as Teva and Sandoz
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Everyday use and best practices
Morning vs evening dosing
When considering the best time to take tamoxifen, consistency is crucial. Whether taken in the morning or evening, the key is to choose a time that suits personal routine and stick to it. Regular dosing helps maintain stable drug levels in the body. Setting a daily reminder can help, particularly for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers where long-term use is often essential.Taking with or without meals
Tamoxifen can be taken with or without food. Taking it at the same time as a regular meal may help to establish a consistent routine.Safety priorities
Who should avoid it (MHRA warnings)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with a history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) or inherited thrombophilia need caution
- Patients with severe liver conditions need caution
Activities to limit (driving, work safety)
Patients taking tamoxifen might experience some side effects that can affect daily activities. Symptoms may include dizziness and fatigue, which could impair driving or operating machinery. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to perform daily functions safely.Dosage and adjustments
General regimen (NHS guidance)
For adults, the standard dose of tamoxifen is 20 mg taken once daily. Your specialist will decide the duration of treatment. Follow the prescribed regimen closely, as inconsistencies can affect the efficacy of the treatment.Special cases (elderly, comorbidities)
Certain populations, such as the elderly or those with coexisting health issues, require particular attention concerning dosage adjustments. Metabolism may slow with age, necessitating careful monitoring to avoid potential adverse effects. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in managing these adjustments, ensuring that each patient's treatment plan is tailored to their specific health needs.What’s inside and how it works
Tamoxifen, a well-known hormone therapy for breast cancer, contains the active ingredient tamoxifen citrate. This compound operates as a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It binds to oestrogen receptors in breast tissue and blocks the growth-promoting effects of oestrogen on cancer cells.Mechanism basics explained simply
Tamoxifen competes with oestrogen for binding to its receptors, particularly in breast tissue. By doing so, tamoxifen effectively blocks oestrogen from stimulating cancer growth. In hormone-sensitive cancers, where oestrogen fuels tumour development, this blocking action can significantly reduce the risk of tumour progression. This is especially important for patients with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.Main indications
Approved uses
Tamoxifen is licensed in the UK for:- Treatment of early-stage breast cancer.
- Management of metastatic breast cancer in both women and men.
- Use following surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
- Risk reduction in some women at high risk of breast cancer.
Off-label uses in UK clinics
Beyond its licensed uses, tamoxifen is sometimes prescribed off-label by specialists. Examples include:- Management of gynaecomastia, notably in males where breast tissue enlargement occurs.
- Ovulation induction in some women with fertility problems.
Interaction warnings
Food interactions
There are no specific food restrictions with tamoxifen. Alcohol is best kept to a minimum, as it can increase the risk of liver problems and side effects. Discuss your dietary habits with your healthcare provider.Drug conflicts
Interaction with other medications can complicate tamoxifen treatment. For example, certain antidepressants, like paroxetine and fluoxetine, can hinder its effectiveness by interacting with metabolic enzymes, and tamoxifen can enhance the effect of warfarin. Suspected side effects can be reported through the Yellow Card scheme.Alternative choices
NHS prescribing alternatives
Some commonly prescribed alternatives to tamoxifen include:- Anastrozole: An aromatase inhibitor beneficial for postmenopausal women.
- Letrozole: Another aromatase inhibitor with a similar action to anastrozole.
- Fulvestrant: An oestrogen receptor antagonist with a different mechanism of action.
- Raloxifene: Primarily used for osteoporosis; it is not used to treat established breast cancer.
Regulation snapshot
Tamoxifen, widely known under the brand name Nolvadex, is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK, regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It cannot be bought over the counter. Under NHS guidelines, patients are usually referred to specialists who assess and prescribe tamoxifen for those diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Treatment typically lasts 5 to 10 years, with monitoring for side effects and potential interactions with other medicines.Frequently asked questions
Common questions about tamoxifen:- What are the common side effects? Side effects may include hot flashes, fatigue, nausea, and vaginal discharge.
- Are there drug interactions? Caution is advised, especially with drugs like paroxetine and fluoxetine (SSRIs) which may affect metabolism.
- Is tamoxifen available without a prescription? No – in the UK tamoxifen is a prescription-only medicine.
- How should missed doses be managed? If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but do not double up.
Guidelines for proper use
UK pharmacist counselling style
A pharmacist can counsel patients about tamoxifen, including:- How to take tamoxifen effectively.
- Potential side effects and management strategies.
- The importance of adherence to prescribed therapy.
NHS patient support advice
The NHS offers support for patients undergoing treatment with tamoxifen, including:- Patient helplines for quick queries.
- Informational materials that enhance understanding of tamoxifen’s effects and relevance.
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | North East | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Southampton | Hampshire | 9–21 days |
