What is nolvadex?

Brand name(s):

Nolvadex

Drug type:

Selective estrogen receptor modulator

Used for:

- Breast cancer

- Reducing side effects of other breast cancer drugs

- Male breast cancer

- A disorder in which females have too much estrogen

How it works:

Tamoxifen blocks estrogen’s effects on breast tissue. Because estrogen can help certain types of breast cancer cells grow, blocking estrogen can help prevent and slow the growth of these types of breast cancer. Tamoxifen also lowers the levels of estrogen circulating in the body.

Common side effects:

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Hot flashes

- Night sweats

- Vaginal dryness

- Increased risk of blood clots

- Vision changes

- Headaches