Novaldex general info

[ryker77]

Tamoxifen (marketed as Nolvadex) is a pill that has been used for 25 years to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen is one of the most common hormonal therapy drugs. It has been shown to decrease the chance of recurrence in some early-stage breast cancers and to prevent the development of cancer in the unaffected breast. Tamoxifen also slows or stops the growth of cancer cells present in the body.


What Are the Side Effects of Tamoxifen?

For women, the side effects of tamoxifen are similar to some of the symptoms of menopause. Two of the most common side effects are hot flashes and vaginal discharge. Other side effects in women may include:

Vaginal dryness and/or itching
Irritation of the skin around the vagina
Irregular menstrual periods
Headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Skin rash
Fatigue
Fluid retention and/or weight gain
Side effects in men may include:

Headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Skin rash
Impotence

 

[ryker77]

The FDA has recently approved two new hormone therapy drugs. They both belong to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors. After menopause, a woman's main source of estrogen comes through a process called aromatization, in which male hormones called androgens (produced by the adrenal glands located at the top of the kidneys), are converted into estrogen. This process takes place throughout the body, in the fatty tissue. These drugs fight tumor growth by stopping the conversion of androgens into estrogen.


Femara (letrozole) is approved for initial or follow-up treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause (the change of life). It is taken in pill form, once each day.


Arimidex (anastrozole) is approved for the initial treatment of advanced, hormone-sensitive breast cancer in women who've gone through menopause. It is also taken in pill form.