Medication FDA to Treat Breast Cancer in Men and Women

Breast cancer it develops from symptoms cells of the breast. Symptoms show lump in the breast, a rash, and discharge from the nipple with pain in the breast area. Sometimes there may be a change in the size of the breast, skin texture or even change in the color. It is seen in both men & women. But it is more common in women than in men, about 1 in 1000 for men.

Tamoxifen is the oldest and most prescribed SERM(selective estrogen receptor modulators). It received approval from U.S. FDA to treat Breast cancer in men and women.

How do Tamoxifen works?

Tamoxifen belongs to the class of medication called as SERMs. It shows antiestrogenic effects. It is a hormone therapy.

The drugs block the female hormone estrogen in the body. The Breast cancer cells are thought to be sensitive to estrogen. These cells need estrogen to grow and spread. Tamoxifen doesn’t allow estrogen to attach to the cancer cells. As no estrogen, the cancer cell stop growing and spreading to other remote parts of the body. The above drug also blocks estrogen from acting on cells that are not cancerous.

How to take Tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is available in the form of a tablet of 10 mg.

• Adult Dosage

Usual Dosage- 20-40 mg one time in a day or in 2 divided doses.

Maintenance dose- 20 mg one time in a day for 5 years.

• Children Dosage

20 mg one time in a day for 12 months. Use and dose may be determined by your doctor.

The dose may be different for different patients. The type of medical problems for which you are using the medicine decides.

I.      The number of doses you take each day.

II.     The time allowed between doses.

III.    The length of time you take the medicine.

What are the uses of Tamoxifen?

1. Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the men or women body.
2. Treats breast cancer in some patients after surgery and radiation therapy.

III.    Reduces chances of breast cancer in high- risk patients.

1. It can block the growth of breast cancer.
2. Treats breast cancer in post-menopausal women after surgery and radiation.
3. An Operation is not feasible for older women. For them, it can be treated with Tamoxifen alone.

VII.     In some infertile men & women, Tamoxifen may produce pregnancy respectively fertility.

VIII.    It may be used for other reasons not listed in the medication guide.

What are the precautions in taking Tamoxifen?

• Certain conditions are needed to be considered while using Tamoxifen. Inform or ask your doctor if you have/are.
• Allergic to the above drug.
• Any other allergies.
• Pregnant / Breastfeeding.
• History of blood clots.
• Conditions that require treatment with a blood thinner.
• History of breast cancer.
• High cholesterol.
• High triglycerides.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Liver disease.
• Dental or any other surgery.
• Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take to avoid drug interactions.

Cost of Tamoxifen (Generic & Brand)

Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs. They have same dosage, intended use, effects and other parameters. The difference is the price. Generic drugs are cheaper than the brand ones. Generic medicine does not include the cost of research and development. The invention of drug that requires hundreds of millions of dollars.

Cost of generic Tamoxifen.

Pack of 60 tablets of 10 mg costs $ 22, per unit cost is $ 0.37.

Cost of brand Nolvadex.

Pack of 60 tablets of 10 mg costs $ 51.98, per unit cost is $ 0.86.