Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen, a non-steroidal antitumor drug, available in tablets (sometimes coated tablets). The active substance is tamoxifen citrate.
The main purpose of the drug
The main indication for the use of the drug is breast cancer therapy. The drug "Tamoxifen" prevents the development of tumors, and the ability to block estrogen remains in the body for weeks even after a single use. The medicine has proven itself well in the fight against female infertility. We also use Tamoxifen for men: reviews show its effectiveness in treating prostate and breast cancer. The drug also found itself in the treatment of other types of malignant tumors: kidney and ovarian cancer, melanoma and sarcoma of soft tissues.
As with any medicine, there are different opinions on the drug Tamoxifen. And this medicine deserves to be studied more closely.
Tamoxifen tablets in oncology
Scientists have long established the estrogen dependence of certain types of breast cancer. This predetermined the use of antiestrogens in the treatment of this disease. As evidenced by numerous reviews, Tamoxifen is perhaps the most common medication used for these purposes. Dozens of studies have proven its highest effectiveness, and at all stages of cancer. And although scientists from different countries still argue about the optimal doses of the medicine and the timing of its use, most doctors confidently prescribe Tamoxifen tablets in case of breast cancer. After the course of the drug, at whatever stages of the disease it is used, positive changes are usually observed: more often remission occurs, the number of relapses is significantly reduced, and the mortality of patients is reduced.
True, prolonged use of this medication is fraught with a number of side effects, the most terrible of which is the increased incidence of endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, the advantages of the Tamoxifen medical device are many times higher than its cons, and the likelihood of an endometrial tumor is ten times less than the risk of cancer of the second breast.
The drug "Tamoxifen" in bodybuilding, reviews
Due to its anti-estrogenic effect, Tamoxifen has found application in a completely unexpected field - bodybuilding. The intake of steroid drugs can lead to a significant accumulation of female hormone estrogen in their blood. At the same time, the bodybuilder's body begins to gradually lose male outlines, potency decreases, and breasts grow (gynecomastia). The drug "Tamoxifen" for men is a successful option that helps to combat the side effects of steroids. This remedy alone does not reduce estrogen levels in the blood, but prevents its harmful effects on men's health. The drug, due to its complex effect on the body, increases the production of male hormone - testosterone, which prevents gynecomastia in the future. As evidenced by numerous men's reviews, Tamoxifen significantly improves their potency, even if it was previously reduced. The advantage of this tool is that it promotes the removal of fluid from the body, the delay of which provokes the use of steroids. For most bodybuilders, Tamoxifen is a great antiestrogen, affordable and not too expensive.
But here, not everything is so simple. Tablets trigger a very complex hormonal process in the body, contributing to an increase in the number of receptors for another female hormone - progesterone, and also negatively affect the production of growth factor. Therefore, the use of Tamoxifen requires a responsible and very careful approach, as well as a competent combination with other medications.
About some features of the medicine
Is Tamoxifen Good or Bad? The patients' reviews about the drug are generally positive: for many years it has managed to prove its effectiveness in the fight against neoplasms. But the medication is excessively toxic, and its effect on the digestive system is often negative. Against the background of a decrease in appetite, body weight increases, nausea and dyspepsia, vomiting and diarrhea, constipation and pain in the stomach are noted. Occasionally, there are problems with the liver - such as its infiltration and hepatitis.
The use of the drug in gynecology also causes mixed reviews: Tamoxifen, widely and successfully used in the fight against infertility, may be the culprit for unplanned ovulation. Therefore, in the process of taking pills, ladies should pay close attention to contraception issues. This remedy can also cause irritating itching in the genital area, uterine bleeding, painful discharge from the vagina, and even cystic tumors.
The drug "Tamoxifen": blood and vision
The appointment of this drug to the patient requires a serious preliminary examination of the patient. In particular, a complete blood count, monitoring of hemoglobin and cholesterol levels is necessary. Tamoxifen tablets can cause blood clots, therefore, when used together with other drugs that affect blood composition, dosage adjustment is not ruled out. During the entire treatment process, it is important to constantly monitor the level of platelets in the patient's blood.
From the side of the oculists you can also hear negative reviews. "Tamoxifen" with prolonged use negatively affects the eyes: cases of severe visual impairment, retinopathy, clouding of the cornea are not uncommon, even the occurrence of cataracts is not ruled out. Therefore, before a course of treatment, a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist is mandatory, and then constant consultations in the process of using the medicine.
The effect of the drug on overall health
In addition to those already mentioned, taking Tamoxifen tablets is fraught with a considerable number of undesirable manifestations. The patient should not be too scared of possible troubles: it is not at all necessary that at least part of the symptoms will manifest in him. Nevertheless, you should be aware that sometimes depression may develop while taking the medicine. Some patients felt headache and dizziness, some had cases of myasthenia gravis. Some patients complained of drowsiness and excessive fatigue, and confusion was also observed. Doctors insistently recommend that patients take increased caution when taking the medication while driving and in the process of working with complex equipment. The drug "Tamoxifen" for men can turn into disappointment in intimate life: although, as a rule, it positively affects potency, but it happens the other way around. And some men managed to note the problems with libido.
The drug "Vero-Tamoxifen", reviews
The drug “Vero-Tamoxifen” (Vero-Tamoxifen) is a domestic drug manufactured by OJSC “Veropharm”; the active substance is tamoxifen. The medicine "Vero-Tamoxifen", as well as its foreign counterpart, is used in the treatment of cancer of various etiologies. Dosages, prescriptions, terms of taking the medicine are completely identical to the practice of using the corresponding imported drugs and give the same results. Alas! The contraindications, side effects and complaints of patients receiving treatment are exactly the same.
Contraindications
The drug "Tamoxifen" ("Vero-Tamoxifen") can not be prescribed for hypersensitivity to this medicine, in case of pregnancy and during the entire period of breastfeeding. Used with caution in diseases of the eye (cataract), hyperlipidemia, and leukopenia. This medication is undesirable for hypercalcemia and thrombocytopenia, severe thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic disease.
conclusions
So, let's try to bring together what is evidenced by numerous reviews. Tamoxifen, of course, is a valuable, effective medicine that has already managed to save millions of human lives. And at the same time, it is a product with a considerable amount of undesirable side effects. Only a highly qualified specialist can decide what will outweigh if this medication is used, results or risks . The drug "Tamoxifen" is, of course, not a means for self-medication, it can be taken only under the supervision of an experienced doctor. And the patient's task is to trust his doctor and carefully follow all his instructions.
Be healthy!