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Tamoxifen
Drug ClassHormone Therapy
Year Approved1977
Conditions TreatedBreast cancer
AvailabilityPrescription
About Tamoxifen
A selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM. Tamoxifen or Nolvadex treats estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, the most common type. It blocks estrogen effects in breast tissue while acting like estrogen in other tissues. Tamoxifen revolutionized breast cancer treatment and prevention. It substantially reduces breast cancer recurrence and is approved for prevention in high risk women. Side effects include hot flashes and increased risk of blood clots and uterine cancer. The drug is inexpensive and widely available.