pharmacopeia
GET
/api/v1/drug/tamoxifen

Boxed warning

UTERINE MALIGNANCIES and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS Serious and life-threatening events from the use of SOLTAMOX include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] . Fatal cases of each type of event have occurred. Incidence rates per 1000 women-years for these events were estimated from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) P-1 trial in women at high risk for breast cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] : Endometrial adenocarcinoma: 2.20 for tamoxifen vs. 0.71 for placebo Uterine sarcoma: 0.17 for tamoxifen vs. 0.04 for placebo Stroke: 1.43 for tamoxifen vs. 1.00 for placebo. Pulmonary embolism: 0.75 for tamoxifen versus 0.25 for placebo. Discuss the potential benefits of tamoxifen versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) considering tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ]. For most patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks. WARNING: UTERINE MALIGNANCIES and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Serious, life-threatening, and fatal events from use of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

2D structure
2-[4-[(Z)-1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl]phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine
SMILES CC/C(=C(\C1=CC=CC=C1)/C2=CC=C(C=C2)OCCN(C)C)/C3=CC=CC=C3
InChIKey NKANXQFJJICGDU-QPLCGJKRSA-N

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

Tamoxifen is an estrogen agonist/antagonist. Tamoxifen competes with estrogen for binding to the estrogen receptor, which can result in a decrease in estrogen receptor signaling-dependent growth in breast tissue.

Selective Estrogen Receptor

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • SOLTAMOX is an estrogen agonist/antagonist indicated: For treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer ( 1.1 ) For adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor- positive breast cancer ( 1.2 ) To reduce risk of invasive breast cancer following breast surgery and radiation in adult women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ( 1.3 ) To reduce the incidence of breast cancer in adult women at high risk ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Metastatic Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. 1.2 Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated: for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer to reduce the occurrence of contralateral breast cancer in adult patients when used as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.ICD-10: C50.919

Contraindications

Sourced from openFDA
  • SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, serious skin reactions) to tamoxifen or any other SOLTAMOX ingredient [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant warfarin therapy or have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus if the indication for treatment is either reduction of breast cancer incidence in high-risk patients or risk reduction of invasive breast cancer after treatment of DCIS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ].contraindicated

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

Metastatic breast cancer: 20-40 mg per day. For doses greater than 20 mg per day, administer in divided doses (morning and evening). ( 2 ) Adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, DCIS, reduction of breast cancer incidence in women at high risk: 20 mg per day ( 2 ) Metastatic Breast Cancer For patients with breast cancer, the recommended daily dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 to 40 mg. Doses greater than 20 mg per day should be given in divided doses (morning and evening). Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer For use in the adjuvant setting, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5-10 years [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Doses greater than 20 mg daily yield no additional clinical benefit. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ For patients with DCIS, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5 years. Reduction in Breast Cancer Incidence in Women at High Risk In the risk reduction setting, the recommended dose of SOLTAMOX is 20 mg daily for 5 years .

Warnings & precautions

Sourced from openFDA

Uterine malignancies: Promptly evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding in a woman with current or past tamoxifen use. ( 5.1 ) Thromboembolic events: Risk increases with coadministered chemotherapy. For treatment of breast cancer, consider risks and benefits in patients with a history of thromboembolic events. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Effects on the liver: Liver cancer and liver abnormalities, some fatal, have occurred. Perform periodic liver function testing. ( 5.4 , 5.9 ) 5.1 Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma, and Other Effects on the Uterus Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma An increased incidence of uterine malignancies (endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma), including fatal cases, has been reported with tamoxifen treatment. The underlying mechanism is unknown, but may be related to the estrogen-like effect of tamoxifen. Most uterine malignancies seen with tamoxifen are classified as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium; however, uterine sarcomas, including malignant mixed mullerian tumors (MMMT), have also been reported. Uterine sarcoma was generally associated with a higher FIGO stage (III/IV) at diagnosis, poor prognosis, and short survival. Uterine sarcoma has been reported to occur more frequently among long-term users (≥2 years) of tamoxifen than non-users. Promptly evaluate any patient receiving or who has previously received tamoxifen who reports abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Adverse reactions

Sourced from openFDA

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Uterine malignancies [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] Thromboembolic events [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] Liver cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions: hot flashes, mood disturbances, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, nausea, and fluid retention ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer In patients treated with tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer, the most frequent adverse reaction was hot flashes. Other adverse reactions which were seen less commonly are hypercalcemia, peripheral edema, distaste for food, pruritus vulvae, depression, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, hair thinning and/or partial hair loss, and vaginal dryness. Increased bone, tumor pain and local disease flare have occurred.

Use in specific populations

Sourced from openFDA

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) Females and males of reproductive potential: Verify pregnancy status of females prior to initiation of tamoxifen. Advise females to use effective contraception. ( 8.3 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary SOLTAMOX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman . There are no adequate and well- controlled studies of tamoxifen in pregnant women. There are limited postmarketing reports of vaginal bleeding, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, and fetal deaths in pregnant women taking tamoxifen. In a primate model administration of tamoxifen at doses 2 times higher than the maximum recommended human dose resulted in spontaneous abortion. In rat and rabbit studies, doses of tamoxifen less than or equal to human doses resulted in increased embryotoxicity, abortions, and altered learning behaviors. Additionally, rodent models showed reproductive tract changes often associated with DES in offspring of both sexes [ see Data ]. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus, including the potential long-term risk of a DES-like syndrome. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Pharmacokinetics

Sourced from openFDA
Metabolism
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.

Overdosage

Sourced from openFDA

No specific treatment for SOLTAMOX overdosage is recommended, other than symptomatic treatment. In a study of advanced metastatic cancer patients to determine the maximum tolerated dose of tamoxifen that could reverse multidrug resistance, the following adverse events were observed: acute neurotoxicity manifested by tremor, hyperreflexia, unsteady gait, and dizziness. These symptoms occurred within 3 to 5 days of beginning tamoxifen and cleared within 2 to 5 days after stopping therapy. No permanent neurologic toxicity was noted. One patient experienced a seizure several days after tamoxifen was discontinued and neurotoxic symptoms had resolved. The causal relationship of the seizure to tamoxifen therapy is unknown. Doses given in these patients were all greater than 400 mg/m 2 loading dose (at least 6-fold higher than the recommended dosage), followed by maintenance doses of 150 mg/m 2 of tamoxifen given twice a day (at least 6-fold higher than the recommended dosage).

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • Feb 20, 2003ANDAANDA074732Mylan
  • Feb 20, 2003ANDAANDA070929Actavis Labs Fl Inc
  • Feb 20, 2003ANDAANDA075797Dr Reddys Labs Sa
  • Oct 29, 2005NDANDA021807Mayne Pharma Commrcl
  • Aug 14, 2020ANDAANDA213358Eugia Pharma

FAERS reports

View JSON
Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
5,665 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Fatigue3936.9%
  2. 2Nausea3426.0%
  3. 3Diarrhoea2784.9%
  4. 4Arthralgia2764.9%
  5. 5Malignant Neoplasm Progression2574.5%
  6. 6Pain2454.3%
  7. 7Vomiting2274.0%
  8. 8Dyspnoea2254.0%
  9. 9Breast Cancer2173.8%
  10. 10Dizziness2133.8%
  11. 11Headache2033.6%
  12. 12Hot Flush1983.5%
  13. 13Drug Ineffective1943.4%
  14. 14Disease Progression1883.3%
  15. 15Asthenia1823.2%

Literature

View JSON

Recent PubMed references pinned to Tamoxifen as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 674 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Tamoxifen as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Pharmacogenomics

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CPIC-curated drug–gene pairs for Tamoxifen. Levels describe the strength of curated evidence and guideline status — never a recommendation to test or to adjust therapy.

Frequently asked questions

How does Tamoxifen work?
Tamoxifen is an estrogen agonist/antagonist. Tamoxifen competes with estrogen for binding to the estrogen receptor, which can result in a decrease in estrogen receptor signaling-dependent growth in breast tissue.
What is Tamoxifen used for?
According to FDA labeling, Tamoxifen carries indications including: SOLTAMOX is an estrogen agonist/antagonist indicated: For treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer ( 1.1 ) For adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor- positive breast cancer ( 1.2 ) To reduce risk of invasive breast cancer following breast surgery and radiation in adult women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ( 1.3 ) To reduce the incidence of breast cancer in adult women at high risk ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Metastatic Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. 1.2 Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer SOLTAMOX is indicated: for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer to reduce the occurrence of contralateral breast cancer in adult patients when used as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is classified as Anti-estrogens, Estrogen Agonist/Antagonist, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators, Decreased DNA Replication, Decreased Ovarian Estrogen Secretion, Stimulate Ovulation.
What are the brand names for Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is marketed under brand names including Soltamox.
What are the contraindications for Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen labeling lists contraindications including: SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, serious skin reactions) to tamoxifen or any other SOLTAMOX ingredient [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . SOLTAMOX is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant warfarin therapy or have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus if the indication for treatment is either reduction of breast cancer incidence in high-risk patients or risk reduction of invasive breast cancer after treatment of DCIS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7.2) ].. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
Note. Data for tamoxifen is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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