Post by Andy Peacher Tel 07827731060 on Mar 20, 2012 14:50:55 GMT
Tamoxifen
This page has been written in loving memory of my mother Joan who died three months after taking Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer. She died of a Pulmonary Embolism a known side effect of Tamoxifen.
The Drug
Tamoxifen is the oldest of all the SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). Tamoxifen is prescribed for women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer before and after menopause.
How It Works
Tamoxifen blocks the female sex hormone oestrogen. The hormone influences the growth of cells related to female reproduction, such as those in the breast or the uterus. If there is too much oestrogen in the system, cell growth can accelerate to the point where tumours start to develop. Tamoxifen competes with the sex hormone for the same proteins - called receptors - found on the surface of cancer cells. When the drug locks onto the receptors it blocks the way for oestrogen - which would otherwise activate the cancer cell to divide and make the tumour grow.
Benefits
Tamoxifen can shrink tumours and prevent breast cancer from returning.
Side Effects of Tamoxifen
Nausea Indigestion
Flushes
Weight Gain
Change to Periods
Depression, tiredness and dizziness
Headaches
Blood clots (Thrombosis)
Visual problems
Voice changes
Tumour Flare
This page has been written in loving memory of my mother Joan who died three months after taking Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer. She died of a Pulmonary Embolism a known side effect of Tamoxifen.
The Drug
Tamoxifen is the oldest of all the SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators). Tamoxifen is prescribed for women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer before and after menopause.
How It Works
Tamoxifen blocks the female sex hormone oestrogen. The hormone influences the growth of cells related to female reproduction, such as those in the breast or the uterus. If there is too much oestrogen in the system, cell growth can accelerate to the point where tumours start to develop. Tamoxifen competes with the sex hormone for the same proteins - called receptors - found on the surface of cancer cells. When the drug locks onto the receptors it blocks the way for oestrogen - which would otherwise activate the cancer cell to divide and make the tumour grow.
Benefits
Tamoxifen can shrink tumours and prevent breast cancer from returning.
Side Effects of Tamoxifen
Nausea Indigestion
Flushes
Weight Gain
Change to Periods
Depression, tiredness and dizziness
Headaches
Blood clots (Thrombosis)
Visual problems
Voice changes
Tumour Flare