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home > drugs a-z list > nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) drug
Nolvadex
Drug Description
Nolvadex Drug Description
NOLVADEX
(tamoxifen citrate) Tablets
For Women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer: Serious and life-threatening events associated with NOLVADEX in the risk reduction setting (women at high risk for cancer and women with DCIS) include uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism. Incidence rates for these events were estimated from the NSABP P-1 trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Studies - Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence In High Risk Women). Uterine malignancies consist of both endometrial adenocarcinoma (incidence rate per 1,000 women-years of 2.20 for NOLVADEX vs 0.71 for placebo) and uterine sarcoma (incidence rate per 1,000 women-years of 0.17 for NOLVADEX vs 0.4 for placebo)*. For stroke, the incidence rate per 1,000 women-years was 1.43 for NOLVADEX vs 1.00 for placebo**. For pulmonary embolism, the incidence rate per 1,000 women-years was 0.75 for NOLVADEX versus 0.25 for placebo**.
Some of the strokes, pulmonary emboli, and uterine malignancies were fatal.
Health care providers should discuss the potential benefits versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk of breast cancer and women with DCIS considering NOLVADEX to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
The benefits of NOLVADEX outweigh its risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer.
REFERENCES
*Updated long-term follow-up data (median length of follow-up is 6.9 years) from NSABP P-1 study. See WARNINGS: Effects on the Uterus-Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma.
**See Table 3 under CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Studies.
DRUG DESCRIPTION
NOLVADEX® (tamoxifen citrate) Tablets, a nonsteroidal antiestrogen, are for oral administration. NOLVADEX Tablets are available as:
10 mg Tablets
Each tablet contains 15.2 mg of tamoxifen citrate which is equivalent to 10 mg of tamoxifen.
20 mg Tablets
Each tablet contains 30.4 mg of tamoxifen citrate which is equivalent to 20 mg of tamoxifen.
Inactive Ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose calcium, magnesium stearate, mannitol and starch.
Chemically, NOLVADEX is the trans-isomer of a triphenylethylene derivative. The chemical name is (Z)2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl) phenoxy]-N, N-dimethylethanamine 2 hydroxy-1,2,3- propanetricarboxylate (1:1). The structural and empirical formulas are:
 |
Tamoxifen citrate has a molecular weight of 563.62, the pKa' is 8.85, the equilibrium solubility in water at 37°C is 0.5 mg/mL and in 0.02 N HCl at 37°C, it is 0.2 mg/mL.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Indications & Dosage
INDICATIONS
Metastatic Breast Cancer
NOLVADEX is effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in women and men. In premenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer, NOLVADEX is an alternative to oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation. Available evidence indicates that patients whose tumors are estrogen receptor positive are more likely to benefit from NOLVADEX therapy.
Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer
NOLVADEX is indicated for the treatment of node-positive breast cancer in women following total mastectomy or segmental mastectomy, axillary dissection, and breast irradiation. In some NOLVADEX adjuvant studies, most of the benefit to date has been in the subgroup with four or more positive axillary nodes.
NOLVADEX is indicated for the treatment of axillary node-negative breast cancer in women following total mastectomy or segmental mastectomy, axillary dissection, and breast irradiation.
The estrogen and progesterone receptor values may help to predict whether adjuvant NOLVADEX therapy is likely to be beneficial.
NOLVADEX reduces the occurrence of contralateral breast cancer in patients receiving adjuvant NOLVADEX therapy for breast cancer.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
In women with DCIS, following breast surgery and radiation, NOLVADEX is indicated to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer (see BOXED WARNING at the beginning of the label). The decision regarding therapy with NOLVADEX for the reduction in breast cancer incidence should be based upon an individual assessment of the benefits and risks of NOLVADEX therapy.
Current data from clinical trials support five years of adjuvant NOLVADEX therapy for patients with breast cancer.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women
NOLVADEX is indicated to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer. This effect was shown in a study of 5 years planned duration with a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Twenty-five percent of the participants received drug for 5 years. The longer-term effects are not known. In this study, there was no impact of tamoxifen on overall or breast cancer-related mortality (see BOXED WARNING at the beginning of the label).
NOLVADEX is indicated only for high-risk women. “High risk” is defined as women at least 35 years of age with a 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer ≥ 1.67%, as calculated by the Gail Model.
Examples of combinations of factors predicting a 5-year risk ≥ 1.67% are:
Age 35 or older and any of the following combination of factors:
- One first degree relative with a history of breast cancer, 2 or more benign biopsies, and a history of a breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia; or
- At least 2 first degree relatives with a history of breast cancer, and a personal history of at least one breast biopsy; or
- LCIS
Age 40 or older and any of the following combination of factors:
- One first degree relative with a history of breast cancer, 2 or more benign biopsies, age at first live birth 25 or older, and age at menarche 11 or younger; or
- At least 2 first degree relatives with a history of breast cancer, and age at first live birth 19 or younger; or
- One first degree relative with a history of breast cancer, and a personal history of a breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia.
Age 45 or older and any of the following combination of factors:
- At least 2 first degree relatives with a history of breast cancer and age at first live birth 24 or younger; or
- One first degree relative with a history of breast cancer with a personal history of a benign breast biopsy, age at menarche 11 or less and age at first live birth 20 or more.
Age 50 or older and any of the following combination of factors:
- At least 2 first degree relatives with a history of breast cancer; or
- History of one breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia, and age at first live birth 30 or older and age at menarche 11 or less; or
- History of at least two breast biopsies with a history of atypical hyperplasia, and age at first live birth 30 or more.
Age 55 or older and any of the following combination of factors:
- One first degree relative with a history of breast cancer with a personal history of a benign breast biopsy, and age at menarche 11 or less; or
- History of at least 2 breast biopsies with a history of atypical hyperplasia, and age at first live birth 20 or older.
Age 60 or older and:
- 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer ≥ 1.67%, as calculated by the Gail Model.
For women whose risk factors are not described in the above examples, the Gail Model is necessary to estimate absolute breast cancer risk. Health Care Professionals can obtain a Gail Model Risk Assessment Tool by dialing 1-800-544-2007.
There are insufficient data available regarding the effect of NOLVADEX on breast cancer incidence in women with inherited mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2) to be able to make specific recommendations on the effectiveness of NOLVADEX in these patients.
After an assessment of the risk of developing breast cancer, the decision regarding therapy with NOLVADEX for the reduction in breast cancer incidence should be based upon an individual assessment of the benefits and risks of NOLVADEX therapy. In the NSABP P-1 trial, NOLVADEX treatment lowered the risk of developing breast cancer during the follow-up period of the trial, but did not eliminate breast cancer risk (See Table 3 in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For patients with breast cancer, the recommended daily dose is 20-40 mg. Dosages greater than 20 mg per day should be given in divided doses (morning and evening).
In three single agent adjuvant studies in women, one 10 mg NOLVADEX tablet was administered two (ECOG and NATO) or three (Toronto) times a day for two years. In the NSABP B-14 adjuvant study in women with node-negative breast cancer, one 10 mg NOLVADEX tablet was given twice a day for at least 5 years. Results of the B-14 study suggest that continuation of therapy beyond five years does not provide additional benefit (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). In the EBCTCG 1995 overview, the reduction in recurrence and mortality was greater in those studies that used tamoxifen for about 5 years than in those that used tamoxifen for a shorter period of therapy. There was no indication that doses greater than 20 mg per day were more effective. Current data from clinical trials support 5 years of adjuvant NOLVADEX therapy for patients with breast cancer.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
The recommended dose is NOLVADEX 20 mg daily for 5 years.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women
The recommended dose is NOLVADEX 20 mg daily for 5 years. There are no data to support the use of NOLVADEX other than for 5 years (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Studies - Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women).
HOW SUPPLIED
10 mg Tablets containing tamoxifen as the citrate in an amount equivalent to 10 mg of tamoxifen (round, biconvex, uncoated, white tablet identified with NOLVADEX 600 debossed on one side and a cameo debossed on the other side) are supplied in bottles of 60 tablets. NDC 0310-0600-60.
20 mg Tablets containing tamoxifen as the citrate in an amount equivalent to 20 mg of tamoxifen (round, biconvex, uncoated, white tablet identified with NOLVADEX 604 debossed on one side and a cameo debossed on the other side) are supplied in bottles of 30 tablets. NDC 0310-0604-30.
Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP]. Dispense in a well-closed, light-resistant container.
*Coumadin® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals. All other trademarks are the property of the AstraZeneca group, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington, Delaware 19850-5437. Rev 09-27-05. FDA revision date: 3/9/2006
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Side Effects & Drug Interactions
SIDE EFFECTS
Adverse reactions to NOLVADEX are relatively mild and rarely severe enough to require discontinuation of treatment in breast cancer patients.
Continued clinical studies have resulted in further information which better indicates the incidence of adverse reactions with NOLVADEX as compared to placebo.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Increased bone and tumor pain and, also, local disease flare have occurred, which are sometimes associated with a good tumor response. Patients with increased bone pain may require additional analgesics. Patients with soft tissue disease may have sudden increases in the size of preexisting lesions, sometimes associated with marked erythema within and surrounding the lesions and/or the development of new lesions. When they occur, the bone pain or disease flare are seen shortly after starting NOLVADEX and generally subside rapidly.
In patients treated with NOLVADEX for metastatic breast cancer, the most frequent adverse reaction to NOLVADEX is hot flashes.
Other adverse reactions which are seen infrequently are hypercalcemia, peripheral edema, distaste for food, pruritus vulvae, depression, dizziness, light-headedness, headache, hair thinning and/or partial hair loss, and vaginal dryness.
Premenopausal Women
The following table summarizes the incidence of adverse reactions reported at a frequency of 2% or greater from clinical trials (Ingle, Pritchard, Buchanan) which compared NOLVADEX therapy to ovarian ablation in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer.
| Adverse Reactions* | NOLVADEX All Effects % of Women n=104 |
OVARIAN ABLATION All Effects % of Women n =100 |
| Flush | 33 | 46 |
| Amenorrhea | 16 | 69 |
| Altered Menses | 13 | 5 |
| Oligomenorrhea | 9 | 1 |
| Bone Pain | 6 | 6 |
| Menstrual Disorder | 6 | 4 |
| Nausea | 5 | 4 |
| Cough/Coughing | 4 | 1 |
| Edema | 4 | 1 |
| Fatigue | 4 | 1 |
| Muscoloskeletal Pain | 3 | 0 |
| Pain | 3 | 4 |
| Ovarian Cyst(s) | 3 | 2 |
| Depression | 2 | 2 |
| Abdominal Cramps | 1 | 2 |
| Anorexia | 1 | 2 |
| *Some women had more than one adverse reaction. | ||
Male Breast Cancer
NOLVADEX is well tolerated in males with breast cancer. Reports from the literature and case reports suggest that the safety profile of NOLVADEX in males is similar to that seen in women. Loss of libido and impotence have resulted in discontinuation of tamoxifen therapy in male patients. Also, in oligospermic males treated with tamoxifen, LH, FSH, testosterone and estrogen levels were elevated. No significant clinical changes were reported.
Adjuvant Breast Cancer
In the NSABP B-14 study, women with axillary node-negative breast cancer were randomized to 5 years of NOLVADEX 20 mg/day or placebo following primary surgery. The reported adverse effects are tabulated below (mean follow-up of approximately 6.8 years) showing adverse events more common on NOLVADEX than on placebo. The incidence of hot flashes (64% vs. 48%), vaginal discharge (30% vs. 15%), and irregular menses (25% vs. 19%) were higher with NOLVADEX compared with placebo. All other adverse effects occurred with similar frequency in the 2 treatment groups, with the exception of thrombotic events; a higher incidence was seen in NOLVADEX-treated patients (through 5 years, 1.7% vs. 0.4%). Two of the patients treated with NOLVADEX who had thrombotic events died.
| NSABP B-14 Study | ||
| Adverse Effect | % of Women | |
| NOLVADEX (n=1422) |
Placebo (n=1437) |
|
| Hot Flashes | 64 | 48 |
| Fluid Retention | 32 | 30 |
| Vaginal Discharge | 30 | 15 |
| Nausea | 26 | 24 |
| Irregular Menses | 25 | 19 |
| Weight Loss ( > 5%) | 23 | 18 |
| Skin Changes | 19 | 15 |
| Increased SGOT | 5 | 3 |
| Increased Bilirubin | 2 | 1 |
| Increased Creatinine | 2 | 1 |
| Thrombocytopenia* | 2 | 1 |
| Thrombotic Events | ||
| Deep Vein Thrombosis | 0.8 | 0.2 |
| Pulmonary Embolism | 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Superficial Phlebitis | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| *Defined as a platelet count of < 100,000/mm3 | ||
In the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) adjuvant breast cancer trial, NOLVADEX or placebo was administered for 2 years to women following mastectomy. When compared to placebo, NOLVADEX showed a significantly higher incidence of hot flashes (19% vs. 8% for placebo). The incidence of all other adverse reactions was similar in the 2 treatment groups with the exception of thrombocytopenia where the incidence for NOLVADEX was 10% vs. 3% for placebo, an observation of borderline statistical significance.
In other adjuvant studies, Toronto and NOLVADEX Adjuvant Trial Organization (NATO), women received either NOLVADEX or no therapy. In the Toronto study, hot flashes were observed in 29% of patients for NOLVADEX vs. 1% in the untreated group. In the NATO trial, hot flashes and vaginal bleeding were reported in 2.8% and 2.0% of women, respectively, for NOLVADEX vs. 0.2% for each in the untreated group.
Anastrozole Adjuvant Trial - Study of Anastrozole compared to NOLVADEX for Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Studies).
At a median follow-up of 33 months, the combination of anastrozole and NOLVADEX did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit when compared to NOLVADEX therapy given alone in all patients as well as in the hormone receptor positive subpopulation. This treatment arm was discontinued from the trial. The median duration of adjuvant treatment for safety evaluation was 59.8 months and 59.6 months for patients receiving anastrozole 1 mg and NOLVADEX 20 mg, respectively.
Adverse events occurring with an incidence of at least 5% in either treatment group during treatment or within 14 days of the end of treatment are presented in the following table.
Adverse events occurring with an incidence of at least 5%
in either treatment group during treatment, or within 14 days of the end of
treatment
| Body system and adverse event by COSTART-preferred term* | Anastrozole 1 mg (N = 3092) |
NOLVADEX 20 mg (N = 3094) |
| Body as a whole | ||
| Asthenia | 575 (19) | 544 (18) |
| Pain | 533 (17) | 485 (16) |
| Back pain | 321 (10) | 309 (10) |
| Headache | 314 (10) | 249 (8) |
| Abdominal pain | 271 (9) | 276 (9) |
| Infection | 285 (9) | 276 (9) |
| Accidental injury | 311 (10) | 303 (10) |
| Flu syndrome | 175 (6) | 195 (6) |
| Chest pain | 200 (7) | 150 (5) |
| Neoplasm | 162 (5) | 144 (5) |
| Cyst | 138 (5) | 162 (5) |
| Cardiovascular | ||
| Vasodilatation | 1104 (36) | 1264 (41) |
| Hypertension | 402 (13) | 349 (11) |
| Digestive | ||
| Nausea | 343 (11) | 335 (11) |
| Constipation | 249 (8) | 252 (8) |
| Diarrhea | 265 (9) | 216 (7) |
| Dyspepsia | 206 (7) | 169 (6) |
| Gastrointestinal disorder | 210 (7) | 158 (5) |
| Hemic and lymphatic | ||
| Lymphoedema | 304 (10) | 341 (11) |
| Anemia | 113 (4) | 159 (5) |
| Metabolic and nutritional | ||
| Peripheral edema | 311 (10) | 343 (11) |
| Weight gain | 285 (9) | 274 (9) |
| Hypercholesterolemia | 278 (9) | 108 (3.5) |
| Musculoskeletal | ||
| Arthritis | 512 (17) | 445 (14) |
| Arthralgia | 467 (15) | 344 (11) |
| Osteoporosis | 325 (11) | 226 (7) |
| Fracture | 315 (10) | 209 (7) |
| Bone pain | 201 (7) | 185 (6) |
| Arthrosis | 207 (7) | 156 (5) |
| Joint Disorder | 184 (6) | 160 (5) |
| Myalgia | 179 (6) | 160 (5) |
| Nervous system | ||
| Depression | 413 (13) | 382 (12) |
| Insomnia | 309 (10) | 281 (9) |
| Dizziness | 236 (8) | 234 (8) |
| Anxiety | 195 (6) | 180 (6) |
| Paraesthesia | 215 (7) | 145 (5) |
| Respiratory | ||
| Pharyngitis | 443 (14) | 422 (14) |
| Cough increased | 261 (8) | 287 (9) |
| Dyspnea | 234 (8) | 237 (8) |
| Sinusitis | 184 (6) | 159 (5) |
| Bronchitis | 167 (5) | 153 (5) |
| Skin and appendages | ||
| Rash | 333 (11) | 387 (13) |
| Sweating | 145 (5) | 177 (6) |
| Special Senses | ||
| Cataract Specified | 182 (6) | 213 (7) |
| Urogenital | ||
| Leukorrhea | 86 (3) | 286 (9) |
| Urinary tract infection | 244 (8) | 313 (10) |
| Breast pain | 251 (8) | 169 (6) |
| Breast Neoplasm | 164 (5) | 139 (5) |
| Vulvovaginitis | 194 (6) | 150 (5) |
| Vaginal Hemorrhage† | 122 (4) | 180 (6) |
| Vaginitis | 125 (4) | 158 (5) |
| COSTART Coding Symbols for Thesaurus of Adverse
Reaction Terms. N = Number of patients receiving the treatment. *A patient may have had more than 1 adverse event, including more than 1 adverse event in the same body system. † Vaginal Hemorrhage without further diagnosis. ** The combination arm was discontinued due to lack of efficacy benefit at 33 months of follow-up. |
||
Certain adverse events and combinations of adverse events were prospectively specified for analysis, based on the known pharmacologic properties and side effect profiles of the two drugs (see the following table).
Number (%) of Patients with Pre-Specified Adverse Event in
the Anastrozole Adjuvant Trial1
| Anastrozole N=3092 (%) |
NOLVADEX N=3094 (%) |
Odds-ratio4 | 95% CI4 | |
| Hot Flashes | 1104 (36) | 1264 (41) | 0.80 | 0.73 - 0.89 |
| Musculoskeletal Events2 | 1100 (36) | 911 (29) | 1.32 | 1.19 - 1.47 |
| Fatigue/Asthenia | 575 (19) | 544 (18) | 1.07 | 0.94 - 1.22 |
| Mood Disturbances | 597 (19) | 554 (18) | 1.10 | 0.97 - 1.25 |
| Nausea and Vomiting | 393 (13) | 384 (12) | 1.03 | 0.88 - 1.19 |
| All Fractures | 315 (10) | 209 (7) | 1.57 | 1.30 - 1.88 |
| Fractures of Spine, Hip, or Wrist | 133 (4) | 91 (3) | 1.48 | 1.13 - 1.95 |
| Wrist/Colles' fractures | 67 (2) | 50 (2) | ||
| Spine fractures | 43 (1) | 22 (1) | ||
| Hip fractures | 28 (1) | 26 (1) | ||
| Cataracts | 182 (6) | 213 (7) | 0.85 | 0.69 - 1.04 |
| Vaginal Bleeding | 167 (5) | 317 (10) | 0.50 | 0.41 - 0.61 |
| Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease | 127 (4) | 104 (3) | 1.23 | 0.95 - 1.60 |
| Vaginal Discharge | 109 (4) | 408 (13) | 0.24 | 0.19 - 0.30 |
| Venous Thromboembolic events | 87 (3) | 140 (5) | 0.61 | 0.47 - 0.80 |
| Deep Venous Thromboembolic | 48 (2) | 74 (2) | 0.64 | 0.45 - 0.93 |
| Events | ||||
| Ischemic Cerebrovascular Event | 62 (2) | 88 (3) | 0.70 | 0.50 - 0.97 |
| Endometrial Cancer3 | 4 (0.2) | 13 (0.6) | 0.31 | 0.10 - 0.94 |
| 1Patients with multiple events
in the same category are counted only once in that category. 2Refers to joint symptoms, including joint disorder, arthritis, arthrosis and arthralgia. 3Percentages calculated based upon the numbers of patients with an intact uterus at baseline. 4The odds ratios < 1.00 favor Anastrozole and those > 1.00 favor NOLVADEX |
||||
Patients receiving anastrozole had an increase in joint disorders (including arthritis, arthrosis and arthralgia) compared with patients receiving NOLVADEX. Patients receiving anastrozole had an increase in the incidence of all fractures (specifically fractures of spine, hip and wrist) [315 (10%)] compared with patients receiving NOLVADEX [209 (7%)]. Patients receiving anastrozole had a decrease in hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, endometrial cancer, venous thromboembolic events and ischemic cerebrovascular events compared with patients receiving NOLVADEX.
Patients receiving NOLVADEX had a decrease in hypercholesterolemia (108 [3.5%]) compared to patients receiving anastrozole (278 [9%]). Angina pectoris was reported in 71 [2.3%] patients in the anastrozole arm and 51 [1.6%] patients in the NOLVADEX arm; myocardial infarction was reported in 37 [1.2%] patients in the anastrozole arm and in 34 [1.1%] patients in the NOLVADEX arm.
Results from the adjuvant trial bone substudy, at 12 and 24 months demonstrated that patients receiving anastrozole had a mean decrease in both lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) compared to baseline. Patients receiving NOLVADEX had a mean increase in both lumbar spine and total hip BMD compared to baseline.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
The type and frequency of adverse events in the NSABP B-24 trial were consistent with those observed in the other adjuvant trials conducted with NOLVADEX.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women
In the NSABP P-1 Trial, there was an increase in five serious adverse effects in the NOLVADEX group: endometrial cancer (33 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 14 in the placebo group); pulmonary embolism (18 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 6 in the placebo group); deep vein thrombosis (30 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 19 in the placebo group); stroke (34 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 24 in the placebo group); cataract formation (540 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 483 in the placebo group) and cataract surgery (101 cases in the NOLVADEX group vs. 63 in the placebo group) (See WARNINGS and Table 3 in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
The following table presents the adverse events observed in NSABP P-1 by treatment arm. Only adverse events more common on NOLVADEX than placebo are shown.
| NSABP P-1 Trial: All Adverse Events % of Women | ||
| NOLVADEX N=6681 |
PLACEBO N=6707 |
|
| Self Reported Symptoms | N=64411 | N=64691 |
| Hot Flashes | 80 | 68 |
| Vaginal Discharges | 55 | 35 |
| Vaginal Bleeding | 23 | 22 |
| Laboratory Abnormalities | N=65202 | N=65352 |
| Platelets decreased | 0.7 | 0.3 |
| Adverse Effects | N=64923 | N=64843 |
| Other Toxicities | ||
| Mood | 11.6 | 10.8 |
| Infection/Sepsis | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Constipation | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Alopecia | 5.2 | 4.4 |
| Skin | 5.6 | 4.7 |
| Allergy | 2.5 | 2.1 |
| 1Number with Quality of Life
Questionnaires 2Number with Treatment Follow-up Forms 3Number with Adverse Drug Reaction Forms |
||
In the NSABP P-1 trial, 15.0% and 9.7% of participants receiving NOLVADEX and placebo therapy, respectively withdrew from the trial for medical reasons. The following are the medical reasons for withdrawing from NOLVADEX and placebo therapy, respectively: Hot flashes (3.1% vs. 1.5%) and Vaginal Discharge (0.5% vs. 0.1%).
In the NSABP P-1 trial, 8.7% and 9.6% of participants receiving NOLVADEX and placebo therapy, respectively withdrew for non-medical reasons.
On the NSABP P-1 trial, hot flashes of any severity occurred in 68% of women on placebo and in 80% of women on NOLVADEX. Severe hot flashes occurred in 28% of women on placebo and 45% of women on NOLVADEX. Vaginal discharge occurred in 35% and 55% of women on placebo and NOLVADEX respectively; and was severe in 4.5% and 12.3% respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of vaginal bleeding between treatment arms.
Pediatric Patients - McCune-Albright Syndrome
Mean uterine volume increased after 6 months of treatment and doubled at the end of the one-year study. A causal relationship has not been established; however, as an increase in the incidence of endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma has been noted in adults treated with NOLVADEX (see BOXED WARNING), continued monitoring of McCune-Albright patients treated with NOLVADEX for long-term effects is recommended. The safety and efficacy of NOLVADEX for girls aged two to 10 years with McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty have not been studied beyond one year of treatment. The long-term effects of NOLVADEX therapy in girls have not been established.
Postmarketing experience
Less frequently reported adverse reactions are vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities, skin rash and headaches. Usually these have not been of sufficient severity to require dosage reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Very rare reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bullous pemphigoid, interstitial pneumonitis, and rare reports of hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema have been reported with NOLVADEX therapy. In some of these cases, the time to onset was more than one year. Rarely, elevation of serum triglyceride levels, in some cases with pancreatitis, may be associated with the use of NOLVADEX (see PRECAUTIONS- Drug/Laboratory Testing Interactions section).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
When NOLVADEX is used in combination with coumarin-type anticoagulants, a significant increase in anticoagulant effect may occur. Where such coadministration exists, careful monitoring of the patient's prothrombin time is recommended.
In the NSABP P-1 trial, women who required coumarin-type anticoagulants for any reason were ineligible for participation in the trial (See CONTRAINDICATIONS).
There is an increased risk of thromboembolic events occurring when cytotoxic agents are used in combination with NOLVADEX.
Tamoxifen reduced letrozole plasma concentrations by 37%. The effect of tamoxifen on metabolism and excretion of other antineoplastic drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and other drugs that require mixed function oxidases for activation, is not known. Tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen plasma concentrations have been shown to be reduced when coadministered with rifampin or aminoglutethimide. Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism is considered to be the mechanism by which these reductions occur; other CYP3A4 inducing agents have not been studied to confirm this effect.
One patient receiving NOLVADEX with concomitant phenobarbital exhibited a steady state serum level of tamoxifen lower than that observed for other patients (ie, 26 ng/mL vs. mean value of 122 ng/mL). However, the clinical significance of this finding is not known. Rifampin induced the metabolism of tamoxifen and significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of tamoxifen in 10 patients. Aminoglutethimide reduces tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen plasma concentrations. Medroxyprogesterone reduces plasma concentrations of N-desmethyl, but not tamoxifen.
Concomitant bromocriptine therapy has been shown to elevate serum tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen.
Based on clinical and pharmacokinetic results from the anastrozole adjuvant trial, NOLVADEX should not be administered with anastrozole (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Drug-Drug Interactions section).
Drug/Laboratory Testing Interactions
During postmarketing surveillance, T4 elevations were reported for a few postmenopausal patients which may be explained by increases in thyroid-binding globulin. These elevations were not accompanied by clinical hyperthyroidism.
Variations in the karyopyknotic index on vaginal smears and various degrees of estrogen effect on Pap smears have been infrequently seen in postmenopausal patients given NOLVADEX.
In the postmarketing experience with NOLVADEX, infrequent cases of hyperlipidemias have been reported. Periodic monitoring of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol may be indicated in patients with pre-existing hyperlipidemias (See ADVERSE REACTIONS-Postmarketing experience section).
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS
Effects in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
As with other additive hormonal therapy (estrogens and androgens), hypercalcemia has been reported in some breast cancer patients with bone metastases within a few weeks of starting treatment with NOLVADEX. If hypercalcemia does occur, appropriate measures should be taken and, if severe, NOLVADEX should be discontinued.
Effects on the Uterus-Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma
An increased incidence of uterine malignancies has been reported in association with NOLVADEX treatment. The underlying mechanism is unknown, but may be related to the estrogen-like effect of NOLVADEX. Most uterine malignancies seen in association with NOLVADEX are classified as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. However, rare uterine sarcomas, including malignant mixed mullerian tumors (MMMT), have also been reported. Uterine sarcoma is generally associated with a higher FIGO stage (III/IV) at diagnosis, poorer prognosis, and shorter survival. Uterine sarcoma has been reported to occur more frequently among long-term users ( ≥ 2 years) of NOLVADEX than non-users. Some of the uterine malignancies (endometrial carcinoma or uterine sarcoma) have been fatal.
In the NSABP P-1 trial, among participants randomized to NOLVADEX there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of endometrial cancer (33 cases of invasive endometrial cancer, compared to 14 cases among participants randomized to placebo (RR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.27-4.92). The 33 cases in participants receiving NOLVADEX were FIGO Stage I, including 20 IA, 12 IB, and 1 IC endometrial adenocarcinomas. In participants randomized to placebo, 13 were FIGO Stage I (8 IA and 5 IB) and 1 was FIGO Stage IV. Five women on NOLVADEX and 1 on placebo received postoperative radiation therapy in addition to surgery. This increase was primarily observed among women at least 50 years of age at the time of randomization (26 cases of invasive endometrial cancer, compared to 6 cases among participants randomized to placebo (RR=4.50, 95% CI: 1.78-13.16). Among women ≤ 49 years of age at the time of randomization there were 7 cases of invasive endometrial cancer, compared to 8 cases among participants randomized to placebo (RR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.28-2.89). If age at the time of diagnosis is considered, there were 4 cases of endometrial cancer among participants ≤ 49 randomized to NOLVADEX compared to 2 among participants randomized to placebo (RR=2.21, 95% CI: 0.4-12.0). For women ≥ 50 at the time of diagnosis, there were 29 cases among participants randomized to NOLVADEX compared to 12 among women on placebo (RR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.9). The risk ratios were similar in the two groups, although fewer events occurred in younger women. Most (29 of 33 cases in the NOLVADEX group) endometrial cancers were diagnosed in symptomatic women, although 5 of 33 cases in the NOLVADEX group occurred in asymptomatic women. Among women receiving NOLVADEX the events appeared between 1 and 61 months (average=32 months) from the start of treatment.
In an updated review of long-term data (median length of total follow-up is 6.9 years, including blinded follow-up) on 8,306 women with an intact uterus at randomization in the NSABP P-1 risk reduction trial, the incidence of both adenocarcinomas and rare uterine sarcomas was increased in women taking NOLVADEX. During blinded follow-up, there were 36 cases of FIGO Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma (22 were FIGO Stage IA, 13 IB, and 1 IC) in women receiving NOLVADEX and 15 cases in women receiving placebo [14 were FIGO Stage I (9 IA and 5 IB), and 1 case was FIGO Stage IV]. Of the patients receiving NOLVADEX who developed endometrial cancer, one with Stage IA and 4 with Stage IB cancers received radiation therapy. In the placebo group, one patient with FIGO Stage 1B cancer received radiation therapy and the patient with FIGO Stage IVB cancer received chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. During total follow-up, endometrial adenocarcinoma was reported in 53 women randomized to NOLVADEX (30 cases of FIGO Stage IA, 20 were Stage IB, 1 was Stage IC, and 2 were Stage IIIC), and 17 women randomized to placebo (9 cases were FIGO Stage IA, 6 were Stage IB, 1 was Stage IIIC, and 1 was Stage IVB) (incidence per 1,000 women-years of 2.20 and 0.71, respectively). Some patients received post-operative radiation therapy in addition to surgery. Uterine sarcomas were reported in 4 women randomized to NOLVADEX (1 was FIGO IA, 1 was FIGO IB, 1 was FIGO IIA, and 1 was FIGO IIIC) and one patient randomized to placebo (FIGO 1A); incidence per 1,000 women-years of 0.17 and 0.04, respectively. Of the patients randomized to NOLVADEX, the FIGO IA and IB cases were a MMMT and sarcoma, respectively; the FIGO II was a MMMT; and the FIGO III was a sarcoma; and the one patient randomized to placebo had a MMMT. A similar increased incidence in endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma was observed among women receiving NOLVADEX in five other NSABP clinical trials.
Any patient receiving or who has previously received NOLVADEX who reports abnormal vaginal bleeding should be promptly evaluated. Patients receiving or who have previously received NOLVADEX should have annual gynecological examinations and they should promptly inform their physicians if they experience any abnormal gynecological symptoms, eg, menstrual irregularities, abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure.
In the P-1 trial, endometrial sampling did not alter the endometrial cancer detection rate compared to women who did not undergo endometrial sampling (0.6% with sampling, 0.5% without sampling) for women with an intact uterus. There are no data to suggest that routine endometrial sampling in asymptomatic women taking NOLVADEX to reduce the incidence of breast cancer would be beneficial.
Non-Malignant Effects on the Uterus
An increased incidence of endometrial changes including hyperplasia and polyps have been reported in association with NOLVADEX treatment. The incidence and pattern of this increase suggest that the underlying mechanism is related to the estrogenic properties of NOLVADEX.
There have been a few reports of endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women receiving NOLVADEX. The underlying mechanism may be due to the partial estrogenic effect of NOLVADEX. Ovarian cysts have also been observed in a small number of premenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer who have been treated with NOLVADEX.
NOLVADEX has been reported to cause menstrual irregularity or amenorrhea.
Thromboembolic Effects of NOLVADEX
There is evidence of an increased incidence of thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, during NOLVADEX therapy. When NOLVADEX is coadminstered with chemotherapy, there may be a further increase in the incidence of thromboembolic effects. For treatment of breast cancer, the risks and benefits of NOLVADEX should be carefully considered in women with a history of thromboembolic events. In a small substudy (N=81) of the NSABP P-1 trial, there appeared to be no benefit to screening women for Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin mutations G20210A as a means to identify those who may not be appropriate candidates for NOLVADEX therapy.
Data from the NSABP P-1 trial show that participants receiving NOLVADEX without a history of pulmonary emboli (PE) had a statistically significant increase in pulmonary emboli (18-NOLVADEX, 6-placebo, RR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.15- 9.27). Three of the pulmonary emboli, all in the NOLVADEX arm, were fatal. Eighty-seven percent of the cases of pulmonary embolism occurred in women at least 50 years of age at randomization. Among women receiving NOLVADEX, the events appeared between 2 and 60 months (average=27 months) from the start of treatment.
In this same population, a non-statistically significant increase in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was seen in the NOLVADEX group (30-NOLVADEX, 19-placebo; RR=1.59, 95% CI: 0.86-2.98). The same increase in relative risk was seen in women ≤ 49 and in women ≥ 50, although fewer events occurred in younger women. Women with thromboembolic events were at risk for a second related event (7 out of 25 women on placebo, 5 out of 48 women on NOLVADEX) and were at risk for complications of the event and its treatment (0/25 on placebo, 4/48 on NOLVADEX). Among women receiving NOLVADEX, deep vein thrombosis events occurred between 2 and 57 months (average=19 months) from the start of treatment.
There was a non-statistically significant increase in stroke among patients randomized to NOLVADEX (24-Placebo; 34-NOLVADEX; RR=1.42; 95% CI 0.82-2.51). Six of the 24 strokes in the placebo group were considered hemorrhagic in origin and 10 of the 34 strokes in the NOLVADEX group were categorized as hemorrhagic. Seventeen of the 34 strokes in the NOLVADEX group were considered occlusive and 7 were considered to be of unknown etiology. Fourteen of the 24 strokes on the placebo arm were reported to be occlusive and 4 of unknown etiology. Among these strokes 3 strokes in the placebo group and 4 strokes in the NOLVADEX group were fatal. Eighty-eight percent of the strokes occurred in women at least 50 years of age at the time of randomization. Among women receiving NOLVADEX, the events occurred between 1 and 63 months (average=30 months) from the start of treatment.
Effects on the liver: Liver cancer
In the Swedish trial using adjuvant NOLVADEX 40 mg/day for 2-5 years, 3 cases of liver cancer have been reported in the NOLVADEX-treated group vs. 1 case in the observation group (See PRECAUTIONS- Carcinogenesis). In other clinical trials evaluating NOLVADEX, no cases of liver cancer have been reported to date.
One case of liver cancer was reported in NSABP P-1 in a participant randomized to NOLVADEX.
Effects on the liver: Non-malignant effects
NOLVADEX has been associated with changes in liver enzyme levels, and on rare occasions, a spectrum of more severe liver abnormalities including fatty liver, cholestasis, hepatitis and hepatic necrosis. A few of these serious cases included fatalities. In most reported cases the relationship to NOLVADEX is uncertain. However, some positive rechallenges and dechallenges have been reported.
In the NSABP P-1 trial, few grade 3-4 changes in liver function (SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase) were observed (10 on placebo and 6 on NOLVADEX). Serum lipids were not systematically collected.
Other cancers
A number of second primary tumors, occurring at sites other than the endometrium, have been reported following the treatment of breast cancer with NOLVADEX in clinical trials. Data from the NSABP B-14 and P-1 studies show no increase in other (non-uterine) cancers among patients receiving NOLVADEX. Whether an increased risk for other (non-uterine) cancers is associated with NOLVADEX is still uncertain and continues to be evaluated.
Effects on the Eye
Ocular disturbances, including corneal changes, decrement in color vision perception, retinal vein thrombosis, and retinopathy have been reported in patients receiving NOLVADEX. An increased incidence of cataracts and the need for cataract surgery have been reported in patients receiving NOLVADEX.
In the NSABP P-1 trial, an increased risk of borderline significance of developing cataracts among those women without cataracts at baseline (540-NOLVADEX; 483-placebo; RR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.28) was observed. Among these same women, NOLVADEX was associated with an increased risk of having cataract surgery (101-NOLVADEX; 63-placebo; RR=1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.22) (See Table 3 in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Among all women on the trial (with or without cataracts at baseline), NOLVADEX was associated with an increased risk of having cataract surgery (201-NOLVADEX; 129-placebo; RR=1.58, 95% CI 1.26-1.97). Eye examinations were not required during the study. No other conclusions regarding non-cataract ophthalmic events can be made.
Pregnancy Category D
NOLVADEX may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women should be advised not to become pregnant while taking NOLVADEX or within 2 months of discontinuing NOLVADEX and should use barrier or nonhormonal contraceptive measures if sexually active. Tamoxifen does not cause infertility, even in the presence of menstrual irregularity. Effects on reproductive functions are expected from the antiestrogenic properties of the drug. In reproductive studies in rats at dose levels equal to or below the human dose, nonteratogenic developmental skeletal changes were seen and were found reversible. In addition, in fertility studies in rats and in teratology studies in rabbits using doses at or below those used in humans, a lower incidence of embryo implantation and a higher incidence of fetal death or retarded in utero growth were observed, with slower learning behavior in some rat pups when compared to historical controls. Several pregnant marmosets were dosed with 10 mg/kg/day (about 2-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis) during organogenesis or in the last half of pregnancy. No deformations were seen and, although the dose was high enough to terminate pregnancy in some animals, those that did maintain pregnancy showed no evidence of teratogenic malformations.
In rodent models of fetal reproductive tract development, tamoxifen (at doses 0.002 to 2.4-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis) caused changes in both sexes that are similar to those caused by estradiol, ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol. Although the clinical relevance of these changes is unknown, some of these changes, especially vaginal adenosis, are similar to those seen in young women who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero and who have a 1 in 1000 risk of developing clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix. To date, in utero exposure to tamoxifen has not been shown to cause vaginal adenosis, or clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix, in young women. However, only a small number of young women have been exposed to tamoxifen in utero, and a smaller number have been followed long enough (to age 15-20) to determine whether vaginal or cervical neoplasia could occur as a result of this exposure.
There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of tamoxifen in pregnant women. There have been a small number of reports of vaginal bleeding, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, and fetal deaths in pregnant women. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, or within approximately two months after discontinuing therapy, the patient should be apprised of the potential risks to the fetus including the potential long-term risk of a DES-like syndrome.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women - Pregnancy Category D
For sexually active women of child-bearing potential, NOLVADEX therapy should be initiated during menstruation. In women with menstrual irregularity, a negative B-HCG immediately prior to the initiation of therapy is sufficient (See PRECAUTIONS-INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS - Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women).
PRECAUTIONS
General
Decreases in platelet counts, usually to 50,000-100,000/mm³, infrequently lower, have been occasionally reported in patients taking NOLVADEX for breast cancer. In patients with significant thrombocytopenia, rare hemorrhagic episodes have occurred, but it is uncertain if these episodes are due to NOLVADEX therapy. Leukopenia has been observed, sometimes in association with anemia and/or thrombocytopenia. There have been rare reports of neutropenia and pancytopenia in patients receiving NOLVADEX; this can sometimes be severe.
In the NSABP P-1 trial, 6 women on NOLVADEX and 2 on placebo experienced grade 3-4 drops in platelet counts ( ≤ 50,000/mm³).
Information for Patients
Patients should be instructed to read the Medication Guide supplied as required by law when NOLVADEX is dispensed. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Reduction in Invasive Breast Cancer and DCIS in Women with DCIS
Women with DCIS treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy who are considering NOLVADEX to reduce the incidence of a second breast cancer event should assess the risks and benefits of therapy, since treatment with NOLVADEX decreased the incidence of invasive breast cancer, but has not been shown to affect survival (See Table 1 in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women
Women who are at high risk for breast cancer can consider taking NOLVADEX therapy to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Whether the benefits of treatment are considered to outweigh the risks depends on a woman's personal health history and on how she weighs the benefits and risks. NOLVADEX therapy to reduce the incidence of breast cancer may therefore not be appropriate for all women at high risk for breast cancer. Women who are considering NOLVADEX therapy should consult their health care professional for an assessment of the potential benefits and risks prior to starting therapy for reduction in breast cancer incidence (See Table 3 in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Women should understand that NOLVADEX reduces the incidence of breast cancer, but may not eliminate risk. NOLVADEX decreased the incidence of small estrogen receptor positive tumors, but did not alter the incidence of estrogen receptor negative tumors or larger tumors. In women with breast cancer who are at high risk of developing a second breast cancer, treatment with about 5 years of NOLVADEX reduced the annual incidence rate of a second breast cancer by approximately 50%.
Women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant should not take NOLVADEX to reduce her risk of breast cancer. Effective nonhormonal contraception must be used by all premenopausal women taking NOLVADEX and for approximately two months after discontinuing therapy if they are sexually active. Tamoxifen does not cause infertility, even in the presence of menstrual irregularity. For sexually active women of child-bearing potential, NOLVADEX therapy should be initiated during menstruation. In women with menstrual irregularity, a negative B-HCG immediately prior to the initiation of therapy is sufficient (See WARNINGS-Pregnancy Category D).
Two European trials of tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer were conducted and showed no difference in the number of breast cancer cases between the tamoxifen and placebo arms. These studies had trial designs that differed from that of NSABP P-1, were smaller than NSABP P-1, and enrolled women at a lower risk for breast cancer than those in P-1.
Monitoring During NOLVADEX Therapy
Women taking or having previously taken NOLVADEX should be instructed to seek prompt medical attention for new breast lumps, vaginal bleeding, gynecologic symptoms (menstrual irregularities, changes in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure), symptoms of leg swelling or tenderness, unexplained shortness of breath, or changes in vision. Women should inform all care providers, regardless of the reason for evaluation, that they take NOLVADEX.
Women taking NOLVADEX to reduce the incidence of breast cancer should have a breast examination, a mammogram, and a gynecologic examination prior to the initiation of therapy. These studies should be repeated at regular intervals while on therapy, in keeping with good medical practice. Women taking NOLVADEX as adjuvant breast cancer therapy should follow the same monitoring procedures as for women taking NOLVADEX for the reduction in the incidence of breast cancer. Women taking NOLVADEX as treatment for metastatic breast cancer should review this monitoring plan with their care provider and select the appropriate modalities and schedule of evaluation.
Laboratory Tests
Periodic complete blood counts, including platelet counts, and periodic liver function tests should be obtained.
During the ATAC trial, more patients receiving anastrozole were reported to have an elevated serum cholesterol compared to patients receiving NOLVADEX (9% versus 3.5%, respectively).
Carcinogenesis
A conventional carcinogenesis study in rats at doses of 5, 20, and 35 mg/kg/day (about one, three and seven-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m²basis) administered by oral gavage for up to 2 years) revealed a significant increase in hepatocellular carcinoma at all doses. The incidence of these tumors was significantly greater among rats administered 20 or 35 mg/kg/day (69%) compared to those administered 5 mg/kg/day (14%). In a separate study, rats were administered tamoxifen at 45 mg/kg/day (about nine-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis); hepatocellular neoplasia was exhibited at 3 to 6 months.
Granulosa cell ovarian tumors and interstitial cell testicular tumors were observed in two separate mouse studies. The mice were administered the trans and racemic forms of tamoxifen for 13 to 15 months at doses of 5, 20 and 50 mg/kg/day (about one-half, two and five-fold the daily recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis).
Mutagenesis
No genotoxic potential was found in a conventional battery of in vivo and in vitro tests with pro- and eukaryotic test systems with drug metabolizing systems. However, increased levels of DNA adducts were observed by 32P post-labeling in DNA from rat liver and cultured human lymphocytes. Tamoxifen also has been found to increase levels of micronucleus formation in vitro in human lymphoblastoid cell line (MCL-5). Based on these findings, tamoxifen is genotoxic in rodent and human MCL-5 cells.
Impairment of Fertility
Tamoxifen produced impairment of fertility and conception in female rats at doses of 0.04 mg/kg/day (about 0.01-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis) when dosed for two weeks prior to mating through day 7 of pregnancy. At this dose, fertility and reproductive indices were markedly reduced with total fetal mortality. Fetal mortality was also increased at doses of 0.16 mg/kg/day (about 0.03-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis) when female rats were dosed from days 7-17 of pregnancy. Tamoxifen produced abortion, premature delivery and fetal death in rabbits administered doses equal to or greater than 0.125 mg/kg/day (about 0.05-fold the daily maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis). There were no teratogenic changes in either rats or rabbits.
Pregnancy Category D
See WARNINGS.
Nursing Mothers
Tamoxifen has been reported to inhibit lactation. Two placebo-controlled studies in over 150 women have shown that tamoxifen significantly inhibits early postpartum milk production. In both studies tamoxifen was administered within 24 hours of delivery for between 5 and 18 days. The effect of tamoxifen on established milk production is not known.
There are no data that address whether tamoxifen is excreted into human milk. If excreted, there are no data regarding the effects of tamoxifen in breast milk on the breastfed infant or breastfed animals. However, direct neonatal exposure of tamoxifen to mice and rats (not via breast milk) produced 1) reproductive tract lesions in female rodents (similar to those seen in humans after intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol) and 2) functional defects of the reproductive tract in male rodents such as testicular atrophy and arrest of spermatogenesis.
It is not known if NOLVADEX is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from NOLVADEX, women taking NOLVADEX should not breast feed.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women with DCIS
It is not known if NOLVADEX is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from NOLVADEX, women taking NOLVADEX should not breast feed.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of NOLVADEX for girls aged two to 10 years with McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty have not been studied beyond one year of treatment. The long-term effects of NOLVADEX therapy for girls have not been established. In adults treated with NOLVADEX, an increase in incidence of uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism has been noted (see BOXED WARNING, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Clinical Studies-McCune-Albright Syndrome subsection).
Geriatric Use
In the NSABP P-1 trial, the percentage of women at least 65 years of age was 16%. Women at least 70 years of age accounted for 6% of the participants. A reduction in breast cancer incidence was seen among participants in each of the subsets: A total of 28 and 10 invasive breast cancers were seen among participants 65 and older in the placebo and NOLVADEX groups, respectively. Across all other outcomes, the results in this subset reflect the results observed in the subset of women at least 50 years of age. No overall differences in tolerability were observed between older and younger patients (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Clinical Studies - Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women section).
In the NSABP B-24 trial, the percentage of women at least 65 years of age was 23%. Women at least 70 years of age accounted for 10% of participants. A total of 14 and 12 invasive breast cancers were seen among participants 65 and older in the placebo and NOLVADEX groups, respectively. This subset is too small to reach any conclusions on efficacy. Across all other endpoints, the results in this subset were comparable to those of younger women enrolled in this trial. No overall differences in tolerability were observed between older and younger patients.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Overdosage & Contraindications
OVERDOSE
Signs observed at the highest doses following studies to determine LD50 in animals were respiratory difficulties and convulsions.
Acute overdosage in humans has not been reported. In a study of advanced metastatic cancer patients which specifically determined the maximum tolerated dose of NOLVADEX in evaluating the use of very high doses to reverse multidrug resistance, acute neurotoxicity manifested by tremor, hyperreflexia, unsteady gait and dizziness were noted. These symptoms occurred within 3-5 days of beginning NOLVADEX and cleared within 2-5 days after stopping therapy. No permanent neurologic toxicity was noted. One patient experienced a seizure several days after NOLVADEX was discontinued and neurotoxic symptoms had resolved. The causal relationship of the seizure to NOLVADEX therapy is unknown. Doses given in these patients were all greater than 400 mg/m² loading dose, followed by maintenance doses of 150 mg/m² of NOLVADEX given twice a day.
In the same study, prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram was noted when patients were given doses higher than 250 mg/m² loading dose, followed by maintenance doses of 80 mg/m² of NOLVADEX given twice a day. For a woman with a body surface area of 1.5 m² the minimal loading dose and maintenance doses given at which neurological symptoms and QT changes occurred were at least 6 fold higher in respect to the maximum recommended dose.
No specific treatment for overdosage is known; treatment must be symptomatic.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
NOLVADEX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women and Women with DCIS
NOLVADEX is contraindicated in women who require concomitant coumarin-type anticoagulant therapy or in women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Clinical Pharmacology
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
NOLVADEX is a nonsteroidal agent that has demonstrated potent antiestrogenic properties in animal test systems. The antiestrogenic effects may be related to its ability to compete with estrogen for binding sites in target tissues such as breast. Tamoxifen inhibits the induction of rat mammary carcinoma induced by dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and causes the regression of already established DMBA-induced tumors. In this rat model, tamoxifen appears to exert its antitumor effects by binding the estrogen receptors.
In cytosols derived from human breast adenocarcinomas, tamoxifen competes with estradiol for estrogen receptor protein.
Absorption and Distribution
Following a single oral dose of 20 mg tamoxifen, an average peak plasma concentration of 40 ng/mL (range 35 to 45 ng/mL) occurred approximately 5 hours after dosing. The decline in plasma concentrations of tamoxifen is biphasic with a terminal elimination half-life of about 5 to 7 days. The average peak plasma concentration of N-desmethyl tamoxifen is 15 ng/mL (range 10 to 20 ng/mL). Chronic administration of 10 mg tamoxifen given twice daily for 3 months to patients results in average steady-state plasma concentrations of 120 ng/mL (range 67-183 ng/mL) for tamoxifen and 336 ng/mL (range 148-654 ng/mL) for N-desmethyl tamoxifen. The average steady-state plasma concentrations of tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen after administration of 20 mg tamoxifen once daily for 3 months are 122 ng/mL (range 71-183 ng/mL) and 353 ng/mL (range 152-706 ng/mL), respectively. After initiation of therapy, steady state concentrations for tamoxifen are achieved in about 4 weeks and steady-state concentrations for N-desmethyl tamoxifen are achieved in about 8 weeks, suggesting a half-life of approximately 14 days for this metabolite. In a steady-state, crossover study of 10 mg NOLVADEX tablets given twice a day vs. a 20 mg NOLVADEX tablet given once daily, the 20 mg NOLVADEX tablet was bioequivalent to the 10 mg NOLVADEX tablets.
Metabolism
Tamoxifen is extensively metabolized after oral administration. N-desmethyl tamoxifen is the major metabolite found in patients' plasma. The biological activity of N-desmethyl tamoxifen appears to be similar to that of tamoxifen. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen and a side chain primary alcohol derivative of tamoxifen have been identified as minor metabolites in plasma. Tamoxifen is a substrate of cytochrome P-450 3A, 2C9 and 2D6, and an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein.
Excretion
Studies in women receiving 20 mg of 14C tamoxifen have shown that approximately 65% of the administered dose was excreted from the body over a period of 2 weeks with fecal excretion as the primary route of elimination. The drug is excreted mainly as polar conjugates, with unchanged drug and unconjugated metabolites accounting for less than 30% of the total fecal radioactivity.
Special Populations
The effects of age, gender and race on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen have not been determined. The effects of reduced liver function on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen have not been determined.
Pediatric Patients
The pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen were characterized using a population pharmacokinetic analysis with sparse samples per patient obtained from 27 female pediatric patients aged 2 to 10 years enrolled in a study designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of NOLVADEX in treating McCune-Albright Syndrome. Rich data from two tamoxifen citrate pharmacokinetic trials in which 59 postmenopausal women with breast cancer completed the studies were included in the analysis to determine the structural pharmacokinetic model for tamoxifen. A one-compartment model provided the best fit to the data.
In pediatric patients, an average steady state peak plasma concentration (Css, max) and AUC were of 187 ng/mL and 4110 ng hr/mL, respectively, and Css, max occurred approximately 8 hours after dosing. Clearance (CL/F) as body weight adjusted in female pediatric patients was approximately 2.3-fold higher than in female breast cancer patients. In the youngest cohort of female pediatric patients (2-6 year olds), CL/F was 2.6-fold higher; in the oldest cohort (7-10.9 year olds) CL/F was approximately 1.9-fold higher. Exposure to N-desmethyl tamoxifen was comparable between the pediatric and adult patients. The safety and efficacy of NOLVADEX for girls aged two to 10 years with McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty have not been studied beyond one year of treatment. The long-term effects of NOLVADEX therapy in girls have not been established. In adults treated with NOLVADEX an increase in incidence of uterine malignancies, stroke and pulmonary embolism has been noted (see BOXED WARNING).
Drug-Drug Interactions
In vitro studies showed that erythromycin, cyclosporin, nifedipine and diltiazem competitively inhibited formation of N-desmethyl tamoxifen with apparent K1 of 20, 1, 45 and 30 µM, respectively. The clinical significance of these in vitro studies is unknown.
Tamoxifen reduced the plasma concentration of letrozole by 37% when these drugs were co-administered. Rifampin, a cytochrome P-450 3A4 inducer reduced tamoxifen AUC and Cmax by 86% and 55%, respectively. Aminoglutethimide reduces tamoxifen and N-desmethyl tamoxifen plasma concentrations. Medroxyprogesterone reduces plasma concentrations of N-desmethyl, but not tamoxifen.
In the anastrozole adjuvant trial, co-administration of anastrozole and NOLVADEX in breast cancer patients reduced anastrozole plasma concentration by 27% compared to those achieved with anastrozole alone; however, the coadministration did not affect the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen or N-desmethyltamoxifen (see PRECAUTIONS -DRUG INTERACTIONS). NOLVADEX should not be co-administered with anastrozole.
Clinical Studies
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Premenopausal Women (NOLVADEX vs. Ablation)
Three prospective, randomized studies (Ingle, Pritchard, Buchanan) compared NOLVADEX to ovarian ablation (oophorectomy or ovarian irradiation) in premenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Although the objective response rate, time to treatment failure, and survival were similar with both treatments, the limited patient accrual prevented a demonstration of equivalence. In an overview analysis of survival data from the 3 studies, the hazard ratio for death (NOLVADEX/ovarian ablation) was 1.00 with two-sided 95% confidence intervals of 0.73 to 1.37. Elevated serum and plasma estrogens have been observed in premenopausal women receiving NOLVADEX, but the data from the randomized studies do not suggest an adverse effect of this increase. A limited number of premenopausal patients with disease progression during NOLVADEX therapy responded to subsequent ovarian ablation.
Male Breast Cancer
Published results from 122 patients (119 evaluable) and case reports in 16 patients (13 evaluable) treated with NOLVADEX have shown that NOLVADEX is effective for the palliative treatment of male breast cancer. Sixty-six of these 132 evaluable patients responded to NOLVADEX which constitutes a 50% objective response rate.
Adjuvant Breast Cancer
Overview
The Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) conducted worldwide overviews of systemic adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer in 1985, 1990, and again in 1995. In 1998, 10-year outcome data were reported for 36,689 women in 55 randomized trials of adjuvant NOLVADEX using doses of 20-40 mg/day for 1-5+ years. Twenty-five percent of patients received 1 year or less of trial treatment, 52% received 2 years, and 23% received about 5 years. Forty-eight percent of tumors were estrogen receptor (ER) positive ( > 10 fmol/mg), 21% were ER poor ( < 10 fmol/l), and 31% were ER unknown. Among 29,441 patients with ER positive or unknown breast cancer, 58% were entered into trials comparing NOLVADEX to no adjuvant therapy and 42% were entered into trials comparing NOLVADEX in combination with chemotherapy vs. the same chemotherapy alone. Among these patients, 54% had node positive disease and 46% had node negative disease.
Among women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer and positive nodes who received about 5 years of treatment, overall survival at 10 years was 61.4% for NOLVADEX vs. 50.5% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). The recurrence-free rate at 10 years was 59.7% for NOLVADEX vs. 44.5% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). Among women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer and negative nodes who received about 5 years of treatment, overall survival at 10 years was 78.9% for NOLVADEX vs. 73.3% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001). The recurrence-free rate at 10 years was 79.2% for NOLVADEX versus 64.3% for control (logrank 2p < 0.00001).
The effect of the scheduled duration of tamoxifen may be described as follows. In women with ER positive or unknown breast cancer receiving 1 year or less, 2 years or about 5 years of NOLVADEX, the proportional reductions in mortality were 12%, 17% and 26%, respectively (trend significant at 2p < 0.003). The corresponding reductions in breast cancer recurrence were 21%, 29% and 47% (trend significant at 2p < 0.00001).
Benefit is less clear for women with ER poor breast cancer in whom the proportional reduction in recurrence was 10% (2p = 0.007) for all durations taken together, or 9% (2p = 0.02) if contralateral breast cancers are excluded. The corresponding reduction in mortality was 6% (NS). The effects of about 5 years of NOLVADEX on recurrence and mortality were similar regardless of age and concurrent chemotherapy. There was no indication that doses greater than 20 mg per day were more effective.
Anastrozole Adjuvant ATAC Trial - Study of Anastrozole compared to NOLVADEX for Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer - An anastrozole adjuvant trial was conducted in 9366 postmenopausal women with operable breast cancer who were randomized to receive adjuvant treatment with either anastrozole 1 mg daily, NOLVADEX 20 mg daily, or a combination of these two treatments for five years or until recurrence of the disease. At a median follow-up of 33 months, the combination of anastrozole and NOLVADEX did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit when compared with NOLVADEX therapy alone in all patients as well as in the hormone receptor-positive subpopulation. This treatment arm was discontinued from the trial. Please refer to CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY-Special Populations-Drug-Drug Interactions, PRECAUTIONS-Laboratory Tests, PRECAUTIONS-Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections for safety information from this trial. Please refer to the full prescribing information for ARIMIDEX® (anastrozole) 1 mg Tablets for additional information on this trial.
Patients in the two monotherapy arms of the ATAC trial were treated for a median of 60 months (5 years) and followed for a median of 68 months. Disease-free survival in the intent-to-treat population was statistically significantly improved [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97, p=0.0127] in the anastrazole arm compared to the NOLVADEX arm.
Node Positive - Individual Studies
Two studies (Hubay and NSABP B-09) demonstrated an improved disease-free survival following radical or modified radical mastectomy in postmenopausal women or women 50 years of age or older with surgically curable breast cancer with positive axillary nodes when NOLVADEX was added to adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. In the Hubay study, NOLVADEX was added to &lequo;low-dose”CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil). In the NSABP B-09 study, NOLVADEX was added to melphalan [L-phenylalanine mustard (P)] and fluorouracil (F).
In the Hubay study, patients with a positive (more than 3 fmol) estrogen receptor were more likely to benefit. In the NSABP B-09 study in women age 50-59 years, only women with both estrogen and progesterone receptor levels 10 fmol or greater clearly benefited, while there was a nonstatistically significant trend toward adverse effect in women with both estrogen and progesterone receptor levels less than 10 fmol. In women age 60-70 years, there was a trend toward a beneficial effect of NOLVADEX without any clear relationship to estrogen or progesterone receptor status.
Three prospective studies (ECOG-1178, Toronto, NATO) using NOLVADEX adjuvantly as a single agent demonstrated an improved disease-free survival following total mastectomy and axillary dissection for postmenopausal women with positive axillary nodes compared to placebo/no treatment controls. The NATO study also demonstrated an overall survival benefit.
Node Negative - Individual Studies
NSABP B-14, a prospective, double-blind, randomized study, compared NOLVADEX to placebo in women with axillary node-negative, estrogen-receptor positive ( ≥ 10 fmol/mg cytosol protein) breast cancer (as adjuvant therapy, following total mastectomy and axillary dissection, or segmental resection<, axillary dissection, and breast radiation). After five years of treatment, there was a significant improvement in disease-free survival in women receiving NOLVADEX. This benefit was apparent both in women under age 50 and in women at or beyond age 50.
One additional randomized study (NATO) demonstrated improved disease-free survival for NOLVADEX compared to no adjuvant therapy following total mastectomy and axillary dissection in postmenopausal women with axillary node-negative breast cancer. In this study, the benefits of NOLVADEX appeared to be independent of estrogen receptor status.
Duration of Therapy
In the EBCTCG 1995 overview, the reduction in recurrence and mortality was greater in those studies that used tamoxifen for about 5 years than in those that used tamoxifen for a shorter period of therapy.
In the NSABP B-14 trial, in which patients were randomized to NOLVADEX 20 mg/day for 5 years vs. placebo and were disease-free at the end of this 5-year period were offered rerandomization to an additional 5 years of NOLVADEX or placebo. With 4 years of follow-up after this rerandomization, 92% of the women that received 5 years of NOLVADEX were alive and disease-free, compared to 86% of the women scheduled to receive 10 years of NOLVADEX (p=0.003). Overall survivals were 96% and 94%, respectively (p=0.08). Results of the B-14 study suggest that continuation of therapy beyond 5 years does not provide additional benefit.
A Scottish trial of 5 years of tamoxifen vs. indefinite treatment found a disease-free survival of 70% in the five-year group and 61% in the indefinite group, with 6.2 years median follow-up (HR=1.27, 95% CI 0.87-1.85).
In a large randomized trial conducted by the Swedish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group of adjuvant NOLVADEX 40 mg/day for 2 or 5 years, overall survival at 10 years was estimated to be 80% in the patients in the 5-year tamoxifen group, compared with 74% among corresponding patients in the 2-year treatment group (p=0.03). Disease-free survival at 10 years was 73% in the 5-year group and 67% in the 2-year group (p=0.009). Compared with 2 years of tamoxifen treatment, 5 years of treatment resulted in a slightly greater reduction in the incidence of contralateral breast cancer at 10 years, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Contralateral Breast Cancer
The incidence of contralateral breast cancer is reduced in breast cancer patients (premenopausal and postmenopausal) receiving NOLVADEX compared to placebo. Data on contralateral breast cancer are available from 32,422 out of 36,689 patients in the 1995 overview analysis of the Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group (EBCTCG). In clinical trials with NOLVADEX of 1 year or less, 2 years, and about 5 years duration, the proportional reductions in the incidence rate of contralateral breast cancer among women receiving NOLVADEX were 13% (NS), 26% (2p = 0.004) and 47% (2p < 0.00001), with a significant trend favoring longer tamoxifen duration (2p = 0.008). The proportional reductions in the incidence of contralateral breast cancer were independent of age and ER status of the primary tumor. Treatment with about 5 years of NOLVADEX reduced the annual incidence rate of contralateral breast cancer from 7.6 per 1,000 patients in the control group compared with 3.9 per 1,000 patients in the tamoxifen group.
In a large randomized trial in Sweden (the Stockholm Trial) of adjuvant NOLVADEX 40 mg/day for 2-5 years, the incidence of second primary breast tumors was reduced 40% (p < 0.008) on tamoxifen compared to control. In the NSABP B-14 trial in which patients were randomized to NOLVADEX 20 mg/day for 5 years vs. placebo, the incidence of second primary breast cancers was also significantly reduced (p < 0.01). In NSABP B-14, the annual rate of contralateral breast cancer was 8.0 per 1000 patients in the placebo group compared with 5.0 per 1,000 patients in the tamoxifen group, at 10 years after first randomization.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
NSABP B-24, a double-blind, randomized trial included women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This trial compared the addition of NOLVADEX or placebo to treatment with lumpectomy and radiation therapy for women with DCIS. The primary objective was to determine whether 5 years of NOLVADEX therapy (20 mg/day) would reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer in the ipsilateral (the same) or contralateral (the opposite) breast.
In this trial 1,804 women were randomized to receive either NOLVADEX or placebo for 5 years: 902 women were randomized to NOLVADEX 10 mg tablets twice a day and 902 women were randomized to placebo. As of December 31, 1998, follow-up data were available for 1,798 women and the median duration of follow-up was 74 months.
The NOLVADEX and placebo groups were well balanced for baseline demographic and prognostic factors. Over 80% of the tumors were less than or equal to 1 cm in their maximum dimension, were not palpable, and were detected by mammography alone. Over 60% of the study population was postmenopausal. In 16% of patients, the margin of the resected specimen was reported as being positive after surgery. Approximately half of the tumors were reported to contain comedo necrosis.
For the primary endpoint, the incidence of invasive breast cancer was reduced by 43% among women assigned to NOLVADEX (44 cases - NOLVADEX, 74 cases - placebo; p=0.004; relative risk (RR)=0.57, 95% CI: 0.39-0.84). No data are available regarding the ER status of the invasive cancers. The stage distribution of the invasive cancers at diagnosis was similar to that reported annually in the SEER data base.
Results are shown in Table 1. For each endpoint the following results are presented: the number of events and rate per 1,000 women per year for the placebo and NOLVADEX groups; and the relative risk (RR) and its associated 95% confidence interval (CI) between NOLVADEX and placebo. Relative risks less than 1.0 indicate a benefit of NOLVADEX therapy. The limits of the confidence intervals can be used to assess the statistical significance of the benefits of NOLVADEX therapy. If the upper limit of the CI is less than 1.0, then a statistically significant benefit exists.
Table 1. Major Outcomes of the NSABP B-24 Trial
| Type of Event | Lumpectomy, radiotherapy, and placebo | Lumpectomy, radiotherapy, and NOLVADEX | RR | 95% CI Limits | ||
| No. of events | Rate per 1000 women per year | No. of events | Rate per 1000 women per year | |||
| Invasive breast cancer (Primary endpoint) | 74 | 16.73 | 44 | 9.60 | 0.57 | 0.39 to 0.84 |
| -Ipsilateral | 47 | 10.61 | 27 | 5.90 | 0.56 | 0.33 to 0.91 |
| -Contralateral | 25 | 5.64 | 17 | 3.71 | 0.66 | 0.33 to 1.27 |
| -Side undertermined | 2 | -- | 0 | -- | -- | |
| Secondary Endpoints | ||||||
| DCIS | 56 | 12.66 | 41 | 8.95 | 0.71 | 0.46 to 1.08 |
| -Ipsilateral | 46 | 10.40 | 38 | 8.29 | 0.88 | 0.51 to 1.25 |
| -Contralateral | 10 | 2.26 | 3 | 0.65 | 0.29 | 0.05 to 1.13 |
| All Breast Cancer Events | 129 | 29.16 | 84 | 18.34 | 0.63 | 0.47 to 0.83 |
| -All ipsilateral events | 96 | 21.70 | 65 | 14.19 | 0.65 | 0.47 to 0.91 |
| -All contralateral events | 37 | 8.36 | 20 | 4.37 | 0.52 | 0.29 to 0.92 |
| Deaths | 32 | 28 | ||||
| Uterine Malignancies1 | 4 | 9 | ||||
| Endometrial Adenocarcinoma1 | 4 | 0.57 | 8 | 1.15 | ||
| Uterine Sarcoma1 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 0.14 | ||
| Second primary malignancies (other than endometrial and breast) | 30 | 29 | ||||
| Stroke | 2 | 7 | ||||
| Thromboembolic events (DVT, PE) | 5 | 15 | ||||
| 1Updated follow-up data (median 8.1 years) | ||||||
Survival was similar in the placebo and NOLVADEX groups. At 5 years from study entry, survival was 97% for both groups.
Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in High Risk Women:
The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT, NSABP P-1) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a primary objective to determine whether 5 years of NOLVADEX therapy (20 mg/day) would reduce the incidence of invasive breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE). Secondary objectives included an evaluation of the incidence of ischemic heart disease; the effects on the incidence of bone fractures; and other events that might be associated with the use of NOLVADEX, including: endometrial cancer, pulmonary embolus, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and cataract formation and surgery (See WARNINGS).
The Gail Model was used to calculate predicted breast cancer risk for women who were less than 60 years of age and did not have lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The following risk factors were used: age; number of first-degree female relatives with breast cancer; previous breast biopsies; presence or absence of atypical hyperplasia; nulliparity; age at first live birth; and age at menarche. A 5-year predicted risk of breast cancer of ≥ 1.67% was required for entry into the trial.
In this trial, 13,388 women of at least 35 years of age were randomized to receive either NOLVADEX or placebo for five years. The median duration of treatment was 3.5 years. As of January 31, 1998, follow-up data is available for 13,114 women. Twenty-seven percent of women randomized to placebo (1,782) and 24% of women randomized to NOLVADEX (1,596) completed 5 years of therapy. The demographic characteristics of women on the trial with follow-up data are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Demographic Characteristics of Women in the NSABP
P-1 Trial
| Characteristic | Placebo | Tamoxifen | ||
| # | % | # | % | |
| Age (yrs.) | ||||
| 35-39 | 184 | 3 | 158 | 2 |
| 40-49 | 2,394 | 36 | 2,411 | 37 |
| 50-59 | 2,011 | 31 | 2,019 | 31 |
| 60-69 | 1,588 | 24 | 1,563 | 24 |
| ≥ 70 | 393 | 6 | 393 | 6 |
| Age at first live birth (yrs.) | ||||
| Nulliparous | 1,202 | 18 | 1,205 | 18 |
| 12-19 | 915 | 14 | 946 | 15 |
| 20-24 | 2,448 | 37 | 2,449 | 37 |
| 25-29 | 1,399 | 21 | 1,367 | 21 |
| ≥ 30 | 606 | 9 | 577 | 9 |
| Race | ||||
| White | 6,333 | 96 | 6,323 | 96 |
| Black | 109 | 2 | 103 | 2 |
| Other | 128 | 2 | 118 | 2 |
| Age at menarche | ||||
| ≥ 14 | 1,243 | 19 | 1,170 | 18 |
| 12-13 | 3,610 | 55 | 3,610 | 55 |
| ≤ 11 | 1,717 | 26 | 1,764 | 27 |
| # of first degree relatives with breast cancer | ||||
| 0 | 1,584 | 24 | 1,525 | 23 |
| 1 | 3,714 | 57 | 3,744 | 57 |
| 2+ | 1,272 | 19 | 1,275 | 20 |
| Prior Hysterectomy | ||||
| No | 4,173 | 63.5 | 4,018 | 62.4 |
| Yes | 2,397 | 36.5 | 2,464 | 37.7 |
| # of previous breast biopsies | ||||
| 0 | 2,935 | 45 | 2,923 | 45 |
| 1 | 1,833 | 28 | 1,850 | 28 |
| ≥ 2 | 1,802 | 27 | 1,771 | 27 |
| History of atypical hyperplasia in the breast | ||||
| No | 5,958 | 91 | 5,969 | 91 |
| Yes | 612 | 9 | 575 | 9 |
| History of LCIS at entry | ||||
| No | 6,165 | 94 | 6,135 | 94 |
| Yes | 405 | 6 | 409 | 6 |
| 5-year predicted breast cancer risk (%) | ||||
| ≤ 2.00 | 1,646 | 25 | 1,626 | 25 |
| 2.01-3.00 | 2,028 | 31 | 2,057 | 31 |
| 3.01-5.00 | 1,787 | 27 | 1,707 | 26 |
| ≥ 5.01 | 1,109 | 17 | 1,162 | 18 |
| Total | 6,570 | 100.0 | 6,544 | 100.0 |
Results are shown in Table 3. After a median follow-up of 4.2 years, the incidence of invasive breast cancer was reduced by 44% among women assigned to NOLVADEX (86 cases-NOLVADEX, 156 cases-placebo; p < 0.00001; relative risk (RR)=0.56, 95% CI: 0.43-0.72). A reduction in the incidence of breast cancer was seen in each prospectively specified age group ( ≤ 49, 50-59, ≥ 60), in women with or without LCIS, and in each of the absolute risk levels specified in Table 3. A non-significant decrease in the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was seen (23-NOLVADEX, 35-placebo; RR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.39-1.11).
There was no statistically significant difference in the number of myocardial infarctions, severe angina, or acute ischemic cardiac events between the two groups (61-NOLVADEX, 59-placebo; RR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.73-1.49).
No overall difference in mortality (53 deaths in NOLVADEX group vs. 65 deaths in placebo group) was present. No difference in breast cancer-related mortality was observed (4 deaths in NOLVADEX group vs. 5 deaths in placebo group).
Although there was a non-significant reduction in the number of hip fractures (9 on NOLVADEX, 20 on placebo) in the NOLVADEX group, the number of wrist fractures was similar in the two treatment groups (69 on NOLVADEX, 74 on placebo). A subgroup analysis of the P-1 trial, suggests a difference in effect in bone mineral density (BMD) related to menopausal status in patients receiving NOLVADEX. In postmenopausal women there was no evidence of bone loss of the lumbar spine and hip. Conversely, NOLVADEX was associated with significant bone loss of the lumbar spine and hip in premenopausal women.
The risks of NOLVADEX therapy include endometrial cancer, DVT, PE, stroke, cataract formation and cataract surgery (See Table 3). In the NSABP P-1 trial, 33 cases of endometrial cancer were observed in the NOLVADEX group vs. 14 in the placebo group (RR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.27-4.92). Deep vein thrombosis was observed in 30 women receiving NOLVADEX vs. 19 in women receiving placebo (RR=1.59, 95% CI: 0.86-2.98). Eighteen cases of pulmonary embolism were observed in the NOLVADEX group vs. 6 in the placebo group (RR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.15-9.27). There were 34 strokes on the NOLVADEX arm and 24 on the placebo arm (RR=1.42; 95% CI: 0.82-2.51). Cataract formation in women without cataracts at baseline was observed in 540 women taking NOLVADEX vs. 483 women receiving placebo (RR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.28). Cataract surgery (with or without cataracts at baseline) was performed in 201 women taking NOLVADEX vs. 129 women receiving placebo (RR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.21-1.89) (See WARNINGS).
Table 3 summarizes the major outcomes of the NSABP P-1 trial. For each endpoint, the following results are presented: the number of events and rate per 1000 women per year for the placebo and NOLVADEX groups; and the relative risk (RR) and its associated 95% confidence interval (CI) between NOLVADEX and placebo. Relative risks less than 1.0 indicate a benefit of NOLVADEX therapy. The limits of the confidence intervals can be used to assess the statistical significance of the benefits or risks of NOLVADEX therapy. If the upper limit of the CI is less than 1.0, then a statistically significant benefit exists.
For most participants, multiple risk factors would have been required for eligibility. This table considers risk factors individually, regardless of other co-existing risk factors, for women who developed breast cancer. The 5-year predicted absolute breast cancer risk accounts for multiple risk factors in an individual and should provide the best estimate of individual benefit (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE).
Table 3. Major Outcomes of the NSABP P-1 Trial
| # OF EVENTS | RATE/1000 WOMEN/YEAR | 95% CI | ||||
| TYPE OF EVENT | PLACEBO | NOLVADEX | PLACEBO | NOLVADEX | RR | LIMITS |
| Invasive Breast Cancer | 156 | 86 | 6.49 | 3.58 | 0.56 | 0.43-0.72 |
| Age ≤ 49 | 59 | 38 | 6.34 | 4.11 | 0.65 | 0.43-0.98 |
| Age 50-59 | 46 | 25 | 6.31 | 3.53 | 0.56 | 0.35-0.91 |
| Age ≥ 60 | 51 | 23 | 7.17 | 3.22 | 0.45 | 0.27-0.74 |
| Risk Factors for Breast Cancer History, LCIS | ||||||
| No | 140 | 78 | 6.23 | 3.51 | 0.56 | 0.43-0.74 |
| Yes | 16 | 8 | 12.73 | 6.33 | 0.50 | 0.21-1.17 |
| History, Atypical Hyperplasia | ||||||
| No | 138 | 84 | 6.37 | 3.89 | 0.61 | 0.47-0.80 |
| Yes | 18 | 2 | 8.69 | 1.05 | 0.12 | 0.03-0.52 |
| No. First Degree Relatives | ||||||
| 0 | 32 | 17 | 5.97 | 3.26 | 0.55 | 0.30-0.98 |
| 1 | 80 | 45 | 5.81 | 3.31 | 0.57 | 0.40-0.82 |
| 2 | 35 | 18 | 8.92 | 4.67 | 0.52 | 0.30-0.92 |
| ≥ 3 | 9 | 6 | 13.33 | 7.58 | 0.57 | 0.20-1.59 |
| 5-Year Predicted Breast Cancer Risk (as calculated by the Gail Model) | ||||||
| ≤ 2.00% | 31 | 13 | 5.36 | 2.26 | 0.42 | 0.22-0.81 |
| 2.01-3.00% | 39 | 28 | 5.25 | 3.83 | 0.73 | 0.45-1.18 |
| 3.01-5.00% | 36 | 26 | 5.37 | 4.06 | 0.76 | 0.46-1.26 |
| ≥ 5.00% | 50 | 19 | 13.15 | 4.71 | 0.36 | 0.21-0.61 |
| DCIS | 35 | 23 | 1.47 | 0.97 | 0.66 | 0.39-1.11 |
| Fractures (protocol-specified sites) | 921 | 761 | 3.87 | 3.20 | 0.61 | 0.83-1.12 |
| Hip | 20 | 9 | 0.84 | 0.38 | 0.45 | 0.18-1.04 |
| Wrist2 | 74 | 69 | 3.11 | 2.91 | 0.93 | 0.67-1.29 |
| Total Ischemic Events | 59 | 61 | 2.47 | 2.57 | 1.04 | 0.71-1.51 |
| Myocardial Infarction | 27 | 27 | 1.13 | 1.13 | 1.00 | 0.57-1.78 |
| Fatal | 8 | 7 | 0.33 | 0.29 | 0.88 | 0.27-2.77 |
| Nonfatal | 19 | 20 | 0.79 | 0.84 | 1.06 | 0.54-2.09 |
| Angina3 | 12 | 12 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 1.00 | 0.41-2.44 |
| Acute Ischemic Syndrome4 | 20 | 22 | 0.84 | 0.92 | 1.11 | 0.58-2.13 |
| Uterine Malignancies (among women with an intact uterus)10 | 17 | 57 | ||||
| Endometrial Adenocarcinoma10 | 17 | 53 | 0.71 | 2.20 | ||
| Uterine Sarcoma10 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 | 0.17 | ||
| Stroke5 | 24 | 34 | 1.00 | 1.43 | 1.42 | 0.82-2.51 |
| Transient Ischemic Attack | 21 | 18 | 0.88 | 0.75 | 0.86 | 0.43-1.70 |
| Pulmonary Emboli6 | 6 | 18 | 0.25 | 0.75 | 3.01 | 1.15-9.27 |
| Deep-Vein Thrombosis7 | 19 | 30 | 0.79 | 1.26 | 1.59 | 0.86-2.98 |
| Cataracts Developing on Study8 | 483 | 540 | 22.51 | 25.41 | 1.13 | 1.00-1.28 |
| Underwent Cataract Surgery8 | 63 | 101 | 2.83 | 4.57 | 1.62 | 1.18-2.22 |
| Underwent Cataract Surgery9 | 129 | 201 | 5.44 | 8.56 | 1.58 | 1.26-1.97 |
| 1Two women had hip and wrist fractures 2 Includes Colles' and other lower radiusfractures 3Requiring angioplasty or CABG 4New Q-wave on ECG; no angina or elevation of serum enzymes; or angina requiring hospitalization without surgery 5Seven cases were fatal; three in the placebo group and four in the NOLVADEX group 6Three cases in the NOLVADEX group were fatal 7All but three cases in each group required hospitalization 8Based on women without cataracts at baseline (6,230-Placebo, 6,199-NOLVADEX) 9All women (6,707-Placebo, 6,681-NOLVADEX) 10Updated long-term follow-up data (median 6.9 years) from NSABP P-1 study added after cut-off for the other information in this table. |
||||||
Table 4 describes the characteristics of the breast cancers in the NSABP P-1 trial and includes tumor size, nodal status, ER status. NOLVADEX decreased the incidence of small estrogen receptor positive tumors, but did not alter the incidence of estrogen receptor negative tumors or larger tumors.
Table 4. Characteristics of Breast Cancer in NSABP P-1 Trial
| Staging Parameter | Placebo N=156 |
Tamoxifen N=86 |
Total N=242 |
| Tumor Size: | |||
| T1 | 117 | 60 | 177 |
| T2 | 28 | 20 | 48 |
| T3 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| T4 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Unknown | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Nodal status: | |||
| Negative | 103 | 56 | 159 |
| 1-3 positive nodes | 29 | 14 | 43 |
| ≥ 4 positive nodes | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| Unknown | 14 | 4 | 18 |
| Stage: | |||
| I | 88 | 47 | 135 |
| II: node negative | 15 | 9 | 24 |
| II: node positive | 33 | 22 | 55 |
| III | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| IV | 21 | 1 | 3 |
| Unknown | 12 | 3 | 15 |
| Estrogen receptor: | |||
| Positive | 115 | 38 | 153 |
| Negative | 27 | 36 | 63 |
| Unknown | 14 | 12 | 26 |
| 1One participant presented with a suspicious bone scan but did not have documented metastases. She subsequently died of metastatic breast cancer. | |||
Interim results from 2 trials in addition to the NSABP P-1 trial examining the effects of tamoxifen in reducing breast cancer incidence have been reported.
The first was the Italian Tamoxifen Prevention trial. In this trial women between the ages of 35 and 70, who had had a total hysterectomy, were randomized to receive 20 mg tamoxifen or matching placebo for 5 years. The primary endpoints were occurrence of, and death from, invasive breast cancer. Women without any specific risk factors for breast cancer were to be entered. Between 1992 and 1997, 5408 women were randomized. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was used in 14% of participants. The trial closed in 1997 due to the large number of dropouts during the first year of treatment (26%). After 46 months of follow-up there were 22 breast cancers in women on placebo and 19 in women on tamoxifen. Although no decrease in breast cancer incidence was observed, there was a trend for a reduction in breast cancer among women receiving protocol therapy for at least 1 year (19-placebo, 11- tamoxifen). The small numbers of participants along with the low level of risk in this otherwise healthy group precluded an adequate assessment of the effect of tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of breast cancer.
The second trial, the Royal Marsden Trial (RMT) was reported as an interim analysis. The RMT was begun in 1986 as a feasibility study of whether larger scale trials could be mounted. The trial was subsequently extended to a pilot trial to accrue additional participants to further assess the safety of tamoxifen. Twenty-four hundred and seventy-one women were entered between 1986 and 1996; they were selected on the basis of a family history of breast cancer. HRT was used in 40% of participants. In this trial, with a 70 month median follow-up, 34 and 36 breast cancers (8 noninvasive, 4 on each arm) were observed among women on tamoxifen and placebo, respectively. Patients in this trial were younger than those in the NSABP P-1 trial and may have been more likely to develop ER (-) tumors, which are unlikely to be reduced in number by tamoxifen therapy. Although women were selected on the basis of family history and were thought to have a high risk of breast cancer, few events occurred, reducing the statistical power of the study. These factors are potential reasons why the RMT may not have provided an adequate assessment of the effectiveness of tamoxifen in reducing the incidence of breast cancer.
In these trials, an increased number of cases of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, stroke, and endometrial cancer were observed on the tamoxifen arm compared to the placebo arm. The frequency of events was consistent with the safety data observed in the NSABP P-1 trial.
McCune-Albright Syndrome
A single, uncontrolled multicenter trial of NOLVADEX 20 mg once a day was conducted in a heterogenous group of girls with McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty manifested by physical signs of pubertal development, episodes of vaginal bleeding and/or advanced bone age (bone age of at least 12 months beyond chronological age). Twenty-eight female pediatric patients, aged 2 to 10 years, were treated for up to 12 months. Effect of treatment on frequency of vaginal bleeding, bone age advancement, and linear growth rate was assessed relative to prestudy baseline. NOLVADEX treatment was associated with a 50% reduction in frequency of vaginal bleeding episodes by patient or family report (mean annualized frequency of 3.56 episodes at baseline and 1.73 episodes on-treatment). Among the patients who reported vaginal bleeding during the pre-study period, 62% (13 out of 21 patients) reported no bleeding for a 6-month period and 33% (7 out of 21 patients) reported no vaginal bleeding for the duration of the trial. Not all patients improved on treatment and a few patients not reporting vaginal bleeding in the 6 months prior to enrollment reported menses on treatment. NOLVADEX therapy was associated with a reduction in mean rate of increase of bone age. Individual responses with regard to bone age advancement were highly heterogeneous. Linear growth rate was reduced during the course of NOLVADEX treatment in a majority of patients (mean change of 1.68 cm/year relative to baseline; change from 7.47 cm/year at baseline to 5.79 cm/year on study). This change was not uniformly seen across all stages of bone maturity; all recorded response failures occurred in patients with bone ages less than 7 years at screening.
Mean uterine volume increased after 6 months of treatment and doubled at the end of the one-year study. A causal relationship has not been established; however, as an increase in the incidence of endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma has been noted in adults treated with NOLVADEX (see BOXED WARNING), continued monitoring of McCune-Albright patients treated with NOLVADEX for long-term uterine effects is recommended. The safety and efficacy of NOLVADEX for girls aged two to 10 years with McCune-Albright Syndrome and precocious puberty have not been studied beyond one year of treatment. The long-term effects of NOLVADEX therapy in girls have not been established.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Medication Guide
PATIENT INFORMATION
MEDICATION GUIDE
NOLVADEX®
(NOLE-vah-dex) Tablets
Generic name: tamoxifen
(ta-MOX-I-fen)
Written for women who use NOLVADEX to lower their high chance of getting breast cancer or who have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
This Medication Guide discusses only the use of NOLVADEX to lower the chance of getting breast cancer in high-risk women and in women treated for DCIS.
People taking NOLVADEX to treat breast cancer have different benefits and different decisions to make than high-risk women or women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) taking NOLVADEX to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer. If you already have breast cancer, talk with your doctor about how the benefits of treating breast cancer with NOLVADEX compare to the risks that are described in this document.
Why should I read this Medication Guide?
This guide has information to help you decide whether to use NOLVADEX to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.
You and your doctor should talk about whether the possible benefit of NOLVADEX in lowering your high chance of getting breast cancer is greater than its possible risks. Your doctor has a special computer program or hand-held calculator to tell if you are in the high-risk group. If you have DCIS and have been treated with surgery and radiation therapy, your doctor may prescribe NOLVADEX to decrease your chance of getting invasive (spreading) breast cancer.
Read this guide carefully before you start NOLVADEX. It is important to read the information you get each time you get more medicine. There may be something new. This guide does not tell you everything about NOLVADEX and does not take the place of talking with your doctor.
Only you and your doctor can determine if NOLVADEX is right for you.
What is the most important information I should know about using NOLVADEX to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer?
NOLVADEX is a prescription medicine that is like estrogen (female hormone) in some ways and different in other ways. In the breast, NOLVADEX can block estrogen's effects. Because it does this, NOLVADEX may block the growth of breast cancers that need estrogen to grow (cancers that are estrogen- or progesterone-receptor positive).
NOLVADEX can lower the chance of getting breast cancer in women with a higher than normal chance of getting breast cancer in the next five years (high-risk women) and women with DCIS.
Because high-risk women don't have cancer yet, it is important to think carefully about whether the possible benefit of NOLVADEX in lowering the chance of getting breast cancer is greater than its possible risks.
This Medication Guide reviews the risks and benefits of using NOLVADEX to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer in high-risk women and women with DCIS. This guide does not discuss the special benefits and decisions for people who already have breast cancer.
Why do women and men use NOLVADEX?
NOLVADEX has more than one use. NOLVADEX is used:
to lower the chance of getting breast cancer in women with a higher than normal chance of getting breast cancer in the next 5 years (high-risk women)
to lower the chance of getting invasive (spreading) breast cancer in women who had surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS means the cancer is only inside the milk ducts.
to treat breast cancer in women after they have finished early treatment. Early treatment can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. NOLVADEX may keep the cancer from spreading to others parts of the body. It may also reduce the woman's chance of getting a new breast cancer. in women and men,
to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).
This guide talks only about using NOLVADEX to lower the chance of getting breast cancer (#1 and #2 above).
What are the benefits of NOLVADEX to lower the chance of getting breast cancer in high-risk women and in women treated for DCIS?
A large US study looked at high-risk women and compared the ones who took NOLVADEX for 5 years with others who took a pill without NOLVADEX (placebo). High-risk women were defined as women who have a 1.7% or greater chance of getting breast cancer in the next 5 years, based on a special computer program. In this study:
- Out of every 1,000 high-risk women who took a placebo, each year about 7 got breast cancer.
- Out of every 1,000 high-risk women who took NOLVADEX, each year about 4 got breast cancer.
The study showed that on average, high-risk women who took NOLVADEX lowered their chances of getting breast cancer by 44%, from 7 in 1,000 to 4 in 1,000.
Another US study looked at women with DCIS and compared those who took NOLVADEX for 5 years with others who took a placebo. In this study:
- Out of every 1,000 women with DCIS who took placebo, each year about 17 got breast cancer.
- Out of every 1,000 women with DCIS who took NOLVADEX, each year about 10 got breast cancer.
The study showed that on average, women with DCIS who took NOLVADEX lowered their chances of getting invasive (spreading) breast cancer by 43%, from 17 in 1,000 to 10 in 1,000.
These studies do not mean that taking NOLVADEX will lower your personal chance of getting breast cancer. We do not know what the benefits will be for any one woman who takes NOLVADEX to reduce her chance of getting breast cancer.
What are the risks of NOLVADEX?
In the studies described under “What are the benefits of NOLVADEX?”, the high-risk women who took NOLVADEX got certain side effects at a higher rate than those who took a placebo.
Some of these side effects can cause death.
In one study, in women who still had their uterus
- Out of every 1,000 women who took a placebo, each year 1 got endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) and none got uterine sarcoma (cancer of the body of the uterus).
- Out of every 1,000 women who took NOLVADEX, each year 2 got endometrial cancer and fewer than 1 got uterine sarcoma.
These results show that, on average, in high-risk women who still had their uterus, NOLVADEX doubled the chance of getting endometrial cancer from 1 in 1,000 to 2 in 1,000, and it increased the chance of getting uterine sarcoma. This does not mean that taking NOLVADEX will double your personal chance of getting endometrial cancer or increase your chance of getting uterine sarcoma. We do not know what this risk will be for any one woman. The risk is different for women who no longer have their uterus.
For all women in this study, taking NOLVADEX increased the risk of having a blood clot in their lungs or veins, or of having a stroke. In some cases, women died from these effects.
NOLVADEX increased the risk of getting cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) or needing cataract surgery. (See “What are the possible side effects of NOLVADEX?” for more details about side effects.)
What don't we know about taking NOLVADEX to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer?
We don't know
- if NOLVADEX lowers the chance of getting breast cancer in women who have abnormal breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- if taking NOLVADEX for 5 years reduces the number of breast cancers a woman will get in her lifetime or if it only delays some breast cancers
- if NOLVADEX helps a woman live longer
- the effects of taking NOLVADEX with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills, or androgens (male hormones)
- the benefits of taking NOLVADEX if you are less than 35 years old
Studies are being done to learn more about the long-term benefits and risks of using NOLVADEX to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer.
What are the possible side effects of NOLVADEX?
The most common side effect of NOLVADEX is hot flashes. This is not a sign of a serious problem.
The next most common side effect is vaginal discharge. If the discharge is bloody, it could be a sign of a serious problem. [See “Changes in the lining (endometrium) or body of your uterus” below.]
Less common but serious side effects of NOLVADEX are listed below. These can occur at any time. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of side effects listed below:
- Changes in the lining (endometrium) or body of your uterus. These
changes may mean serious problems are starting, including cancer of the uterus.
The signs of changes in the uterus are:
- Vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge that could be a rusty or brown color. You should call your doctor even if only a small amount of bleeding occurs.
- Change in your monthly bleeding, such as in the amount or timing of bleeding or increased clotting.
- Pain or pressure in your pelvis (below your belly button).
- Blood clots in your veins or lungs. These can cause serious problems,
including death. You may get clots up to 2-3 months after you stop taking
NOLVADEX. The signs of blood clots are:
- sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood
- pain, tenderness, or swelling in one or both of your legs
- Stroke. Stroke can cause serious medical problems, including death.
The signs of stroke are:
- sudden weakness, tingling, or numbness in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body
- sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Cataracts or increased chance of needing cataract surgery. The sign of these problems is slow blurring of your vision.
- Liver problems, including jaundice. The signs of liver problems include lack of appetite and yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
These are not all the possible side effects of NOLVADEX. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not take NOLVADEX?
Do not take NOLVADEX for any reason if you
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking NOLVADEX or during the 2 months after you stop taking NOLVADEX. NOLVADEX may harm your unborn baby. It takes about 2 months to clear NOLVADEX from your body. To be sure you are not pregnant, you can start taking NOLVADEX while you are having your menstrual period. Or, you can take a pregnancy test to be sure you are not pregnant before you begin.
- Are breast feeding. We do not know if NOLVADEX can pass through your milk and harm your baby.
- Have had an allergic reaction to NOLVADEX or tamoxifen (the other name for NOLVADEX), or to any of its inactive ingredients.
If you get pregnant while taking NOLVADEX, stop taking it right away and contact your doctor. NOLVADEX may harm your unborn baby. Do not take NOLVADEX to lower your chance of getting breast cancer if
- You ever had a blood clot that needed medical treatment.
- You are taking medicines to thin your blood, like warfarin, (also called Coumadin®*).
- Your ability to move around is limited for most of your waking hours.
- You are at risk for blood clots. Your doctor can tell you if you are at high risk for blood clots.
- You do not have a higher than normal chance of getting breast cancer. Your doctor can tell you if you are a high-risk woman.
How should I take NOLVADEX?
- Swallow the tablet(s) whole, with water or another non-alcoholic liquid. You can take NOLVADEX with or without food. Take your medicine every day. It may be easier to remember if you take it at the same time each day.
- If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, then take the next dose as usual. If it is almost time for your next dose or you remember at your next dose, do not take extra tablets to make up the missed dose.
- Take NOLVADEX for 5 years, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
What should I avoid while taking NOLVADEX?
- Do not become pregnant while taking NOLVADEX or for 2 months after you stop. NOLVADEX can stop hormonal birth control methods from working. Hormonal methods include birth control pills, patches, injections, rings and implants. Therefore, while taking NOLVADEX, use birth control methods that don't use hormones, such as condoms, diaphragms with spermicide, or plain IUD's. If you get pregnant, stop taking NOLVADEX right away and call your doctor.
- Do not breast feed. We do not know if NOLVADEX can pass through your milk and if it can harm the baby.
What should I do while taking NOLVADEX?
- Have regular gynecology check-ups (“female exams”), breast exams and mammograms. Your doctor will tell you how often. These will check for signs of breast cancer and cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Because NOLVADEX does not prevent all breast cancers, and you may get other types of cancers, you need these exams to find any cancers as early as possible.
- Because NOLVADEX can cause serious side effects, pay close attention to your body. Signs you should look for are listed in “What are the possible side effects of NOLVADEX?”
- Tell all of the doctors that you see that you are taking NOLVADEX.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have any new breast lumps.
General information about the safe and effective use of NOLVADEX
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Your doctor has prescribed NOLVADEX only for you. Do not give it to other people, even if they have a similar condition, because it may harm them. Do not use it for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
This Medication Guide is a summary of information about NOLVADEX for women who use NOLVADEX to lower their high chance of getting breast cancer or who have DCIS. If you want more information about NOLVADEX, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you information about NOLVADEX that is written for health professionals. For more information about NOLVADEX or breast cancer, please visit www.NOLVADEX.com or call 1-800-236-9933.
Ingredients: tamoxifen citrate, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, magnesium stearate, mannitol and starch.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2008
Nolvadex Consumer
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
TAMOXIFEN - ORAL
(ta-MOX-ih-fen) (SOL-ta-mox)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nolvadex, Soltamox
WARNING: Tamoxifen has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) strokes, blood clots in the lungs/legs, and cancer of the uterus. If you are taking tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer, or if your cancer is limited to the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ-DCIS), then discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication with your doctor. However, if you are taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, then the benefits of taking tamoxifen are greater than the risks of side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a stroke or blood clots in the lungs/legs, such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion, shortness of breath, chest pain, or calf pain/swelling.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of cancer of the uterus, such as unusual changes in your monthly period (e.g., amount or timing of bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel).
USES: Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), to treat breast cancer in certain patients after surgery and radiation therapy, and to reduce the chances of breast cancer in high-risk patients.
This medication can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Tamoxifen may also be used to cause the release of an egg (ovulation) in certain women who are trying to become pregnant.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tamoxifen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily for 5 years, or as directed by your doctor. Daily dosages greater than 20 milligrams are usually divided in half and taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
If you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience increased bone/cancer pain and/or disease flare-up as you start taking tamoxifen. In some cases, this may be a sign of a good response to the medication. Symptoms include increased bone pain, increased tumor size, or even new tumors. These symptoms usually disappear quickly. In any case, report these symptoms immediately to your doctor.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. (See also Precautions section.)
Inform your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).
Nolvadex Consumer (continued)
SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.
Hot flashes, nausea, hair thinning, or headache may occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest may occur in men. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
If you have cancer limited to the milk ducts, or if you are taking this medication to prevent breast cancer, then this medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), conditions that require treatment with a "blood thinner" (such as warfarin).
If you have breast cancer and a history of blood clots/stroke, you may or may not be able to take tamoxifen. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. Women of childbearing age should start tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before starting the medication.
It is recommended that men and women using this medication use two effective non-hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and diaphragms with spermicide) while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor.
It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Nolvadex Consumer (continued)
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: anastrozole, letrozole.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tamoxifen.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), estrogens, hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, patches, implants), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), St John's wort.
Other medications can affect the removal of tamoxifen from your body, which may affect how tamoxifen works. Examples include cimetidine, SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, among others.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: shaking, unsteady walking, fainting, irregular heartbeat.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood counts, liver function tests, pelvic exams, mammogram, eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised September 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.
Next: Indications & Dosage
Nolvadex User Reviews
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