Nolvadex
Formulated to manage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer and to support treatment outcomes through oestrogen receptor inhibition.
- Categories
- Oncology Support · Pct & Men's Fitness
- Active ingredient
- Tamoxifen
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 10 · 20mg
Nolvadex details
- Therapeutic class
- Selective oestrogen Receptor Modulator
- Pharmacological class
- SERM
- Known off-label uses
- infertility in women; gynaecomastia in men
- Contraindications
- pregnancy; history of thromboembolic disorders; hypersensitivity to tamoxifen
- Minor side effects
- hot flushes; nausea; fluid retention
- Moderate side effects
- vaginal bleeding; endometrial changes; vision disturbances
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- AstraZeneca
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- Daily
- Drug interactions
- warfarin; rifampicin; letrozole
- Age restrictions
- For adults; not intended for paediatric use.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for visual disturbances; report any abnormal vaginal bleeding; not recommended for use with blood-thinning medication
Serious side effects
thromboembolism, requires immediate medical attention; uterine cancer, requires immediate medical attention; stroke, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
formulated to manage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer and to support treatment outcomes through oestrogen receptor inhibition.
Mechanism of action
Nolvadex functions by binding to the oestrogen receptors in breast tissue. This prevents oestrogen from attaching, which can slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells that rely on this hormone to develop.
Storage instructions
Store at room temperature, keep in original packaging, away from moisture and direct light.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm. Breastfeeding: Must not be used while breastfeeding as the drug is excreted into milk.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Nolvadex
Nolvadex is a therapy manufactured by AstraZeneca containing the active ingredient tamoxifen. Primary use is for the management of breast cancer and oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Nolvadex is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 10mg and 20mg, allowing for flexible dosing according to a patient’s specific health requirements.
Nolvadex availability in Asia
Nolvadex is registered across 14 markets in the region, including Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, with availability also in the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong. While patients often use the original brand, generic tamoxifen, much of it produced in India, offers a more affordable alternative for expats and others living far from local medical centres. As these treatments address specific clinical conditions, they are best used under the care of a doctor.