Description
Nolvadex represents an anticancer drug of a non-steroidal antiandrogenic action. It reduces inflammations, stops tumor growth and promotes the release of pituitary hormones. The active substance of the medication, marketed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP in the US, is tamoxifen citrate. The preparation helps to stop cell hypertrophy, cease the synthesis of tumor tissue and block the formation of tumors. There is clinical evidence of the of the drug’s effectiveness in terms of prevention of the appearance of tumors in the body.
With the very first reception the drug blocks the negative effect of estrogens within several weeks. Nolvadex (tamoxifen) does not cause side effects associated with excessive growth of tissue and increase of cell volume. It is rapidly absorbed in the body and begins to operate in half an hour after administration.
Tamoxifen exhibits anti-estrogenic effect, which is used in anti-cancer therapy. When swallowed, tamoxifen begins to bind to estrogen receptors and prevents the effects of estradiol. Thus, the development of tumor process slows down. After oral administration of the drug the active substance is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract. The maximum drug concentration in the blood observed after the first dose in 6 hours. After 4 weeks of therapy the equilibrium concentration of drug in blood is observed. Withdrawal of the drug is a slow process that lasts for 1-2 weeks, while the excretion itself takes place with the faeces.
Indications for use
According to the insert, Nolvadex is prescribed to treat a variety of cancers: melanoma, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, sarcoma, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. The drug has collected positive feedback as for its therapeutic action in the treatment of cancer formations in the soft tissues and tumors of various etiologies.
How to use Nolvadex (tamoxifen)
Please, do not initiate self-treatment, consult your doctor before you start Nolvadex therapy to exclude the risk of significant adverse reactions. The dosage of the drug in each case is individually selected by the physician, depending on the anticancer therapy scheme and patient’s characteristics. The reception of the drug is allowed in 18+ years old individuals only. Generally, the use of the preparation is recommend to start from 20 mg twice a day, following an increase to 40 mg twice or three times daily. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 1 to 3 months. Nolvadex should be taken in conjunction with radiation therapy and drugs that stop cells division. According to the instructions, the preparation must be taken orally with plenty of fluids.
Special instructions
Prior to the treatment course, the patients should undergo a thorough health examination. Women while taking the drug should use reliable contraceptive methods. In the course of treatment the patient should continuously monitor the level of platelets, white blood cells, calcium, as well as indicators of blood coagulation system. A regular monitoring of health should be carried out in suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, with ophthalmologic and thrombo-embolic diseases. Nolvadex is not an option helps in treating patients who have hepatic metastases. In the event of the swelling of legs and vaginal bleeding, the drug dose should be reduced.
