Treatment by Tamoxifen

    Tamoxifen is a antagonist, a type of receptor ligand or drug that doesn't provoke a response when binding to a receptor, of the estrogen receptor in the breast cancer. The generic name for Tamoxifen is Nolvadex. It helps treat women that are diagnosed with hormone – receptor – positive, early staged breast cancer after surgery.

Its also used as treatment options for women that have high risks of getting cancer, Tamoxifen can do so many things such as; reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, reduce the risk of new cancer developing in the other breast, shrink large breast cancer and slow or stop the growth of cancer in pre – and post - menopausal women. It is also used for other health issues such as lowering cholesterol and stop bone loss after menopause.

    Some women stay on Tamoxifen for 5 years while others stay for 2 to 3 years and switch to aromatase inhibitor depending on their situation. Some people wont get the full benefits of Tamoxifen, the body uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to convert Tamoxifen into its active form. There are two possibilities that would interfere with the bodies ability to stop that: patients would take other medication tat would block the effectiveness of the enzyme or a flaw in the enzyme CYP2D6  Tamoxifen like other medication as side effects, most common side effects are dry skin, nausea, mood swings, depression, headache, hair thinning, constipation and hot flashes.