In this leaflet, NOLVADEX means Nolvadex or Nolvadex-D tablets.

This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about NOLVADEX. It does not contain all the information that is known about NOLVADEX.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor will have weighed the risks of you taking NOLVADEX against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

You may need to read it again.

NOLVADEX is used to either treat breast cancer or reduce the risk of breast cancer occurring if you are at increased risk of breast cancer.

If you and your healthcare professional are considering using NOLVADEX for reducing the risk of breast cancer occurring, your knowledge of treatment risks becomes more important because you don’t currently have breast cancer. NOLVADEX therapy may be uncommonly associated with serious side effects such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT – blood clots in veins of your leg), pulmonary embolus (blood clots in your lungs) and uterine cancer. In some women, these events were fatal. Less serious side effects such as hot flushes, vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities and gynaecological conditions may also occur. Whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks depends on your age, health history, your level of breast cancer risk and on your personal judgement. NOLVADEX therapy to reduce the risk of breast cancer may not be appropriate for all women at increased risk for breast cancer. An assessment with your healthcare professional of the potential benefits and risks prior to starting therapy for reduction in breast cancer risk is essential. You should understand that NOLVADEX reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of breast cancer.

NOLVADEX blocks the actions of oestrogen. Oestrogen is a natural female sex hormone. In some types of breast cancer, oestrogen can help cancer cells to grow.

Your doctor will have explained why you are being treated with NOLVADEX and told you what dose to take.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use. Ask your doctor if you want more information.

NOLVADEX is not addictive.

Your baby may take in NOLVADEX from breast milk if you are breastfeeding.

Do not use NOLVADEX if you are allergic to tamoxifen or any of the other ingredients in NOLVADEX.

Do not use NOLVADEX for reducing the risk of breast cancer occurrence if:

There is no experience of its use in children.