Tamoxifen Sandoz (Tamoxifen 20mg) Tablets

Tamoxifen Sandoz general information

What is Tamoxifen Sandoz used for?

Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg are used to treat breast cancer, to reduce the growth of early stage tumours and slow down the growth of advanced metastatic tumours that have already spread to other parts of the body, reducing mortality rates.  In women who have received other treatment for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg are used as adjuvant therapy, to increase the chances of a cure and reduce the risk of breast cancer returning to the same breast or new tumours developing in the other breast.  Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg also reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at risk and can be used for oestrogen receptor-positive/unknown breast tumours.  Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg reduces recurrence of the cancer and improves 10 year survival rate, particularly if taken continuously for 5 years.   

How does Tamoxifen Sandoz work?

Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg contain tamoxifen, which is a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen, also known as a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), that is used to treat breast cancer.  Tamoxifen in Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg binds to the oestrogen receptor on breast cancer cells and blocks the action of oestrogen in these cells, which is to stimulate breast cancer cell growth and promote the development of the tumour.  Most, but not all, breast cancers are sensitive to oestrogen and are known as oestrogen receptor-positive because they are oestrogen-dependent tumours and the cells contain oestrogen receptors.  Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg are more effective on oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers and can block or slow down the growth of these tumours at early and late stages, as well as preventing the spread of advanced tumours to other parts of the body.  Although tamoxifen in Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg acts as an anti-oestrogen (antagonist) in breast cancers, it can act as an oestrogen agonist (mimic) in other cells, such as bone cells, which can provide some benefits, for example helping to maintain bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones), also reducing levels of blood total cholesterol, particularly in postmenopausal women. 

What does Tamoxifen Sandoz contain?

Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg contain the active ingredient tamoxifen, which is a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen, also known as a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), used to treat breast cancer.  They also contain lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, povidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol 4000.  

Treating breast cancer with Tamoxifen Sandoz

Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg contain tamoxifen, which is a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen, also known as a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), that is used to treat breast cancer and can be used for oestrogen receptor-positive/unknown breast tumours.  Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg works by binding to the oestrogen receptor on breast cancer cells and blocking the action of oestrogen in these cells, which blocks oestrogen stimulated breast cancer cell growth in early stage tumours and can slow down the growth of advanced metastatic tumours that have already spread to other parts of the body.  Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg can be used as adjuvant therapy, in addition to other treatments for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, to increase the chances of a cure and reduce the risk of breast cancer returning to the same breast or new tumours developing in the other breast; also to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who are at risk.   Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg reduces recurrence of the cancer and improves 10 year survival rate, particularly if taken continuously for 5 years.   

What are the side effects of Tamoxifen Sandoz?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Tamoxifen Sandoz 20mg are generally mild and some are similar to menopausal symptoms; they include: hot flushes, vaginal bleeding, discharge and itching, fluid retention, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, fatigue, lightheadedness, skin rash, paraesthesia (prickling or tingling of the skin), leg cramps suppression of menstruation in pre-menopausal women.

What are the health risks of Tamoxifen Sandoz?

There is an increased risk of blood clots when taking Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg, particularly if you have received other treatments such as chemotherapy; also, an increased risk of endometrial and uterine cancer, just as there is when taking oestrogen for hormone replacement therapy. 

When should Tamoxifen Sandoz not be used?

You should not use Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg if you:

• are allergic to tamoxifen or any ingredients in Tamoxifen Sandoz
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have had or have a history of abnormal blood clots, such as deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen
• are taking medicines that interact with Tamoxifen Sandoz including: anticoagulants like warfarin, other breast cancer medication like cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy)

How should Tamoxifen Sandoz be taken?

You should take your Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg with a glass of water and with food, once or twice a day, and your dose may be increased, if required.  You should continue to take your Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, and based on clinical trials, Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg get the best results when taken continuously for 5 years.  

How long should you take Tamoxifen Sandoz?

You should continue to take your Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, and based on clinical trials, Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg get the best results when taken continuously for 5 years.  

Missed dose of Tamoxifen Sandoz

If you miss a dose of Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Tamoxifen Sandoz be stored?

You should store your Tamoxifen Sandoz tablets 20mg below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light and moisture.