This article describes tamoxifen oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for tamoxifen. If you want to know more about tamoxifen oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Tamoxifen oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Tamoxifen also comes in a liquid solution, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of uterine cancer, stroke, or certain blood clots in some people
Tamoxifen has a boxed warning for the risk of uterine cancer, stroke, or certain blood clots in some people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of tamoxifen
Tamoxifen oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg
Dosage of tamoxifen
This article describes the recommended dosages for tamoxifen oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of tamoxifen oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of tamoxifen in adults
The following table outlines the recommended dosages of tamoxifen oral tablet in milligrams (mg).
| Purpose | Recommended dosage |
| treat metastatic breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) | 20–40 mg per day, taken in one or two divided doses |
| reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back after the primary treatment, such as surgery | 20 mg daily, divided into one or two doses |
| reduce the risk of a type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from spreading | 20 mg once per day |
| reduce the risk of breast cancer in people at high risk | 20 mg once per day |
Dosage adjustments for tamoxifen
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of tamoxifen oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of tamoxifen
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of tamoxifen oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of tamoxifen oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about tamoxifen oral tablet and its dosage.
What is the lowest effective dose of tamoxifen?
In general, the lowest dosage of tamoxifen that’s prescribed is 20 milligrams (mg) per day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage if you have certain medical conditions or take certain other medications.
If you have more questions about the lowest effective dose of tamoxifen, talk with your doctor.
Is tamoxifen taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe tamoxifen oral tablet as a long-term treatment. For example, studies indicate that it is most effective in lowering the risk of breast cancer when taken for 5 years. If you and your doctor determine that tamoxifen is safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take tamoxifen oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How tamoxifen is taken
You’ll swallow tamoxifen oral tablet once or twice per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take the drug with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
You should not cut or crush the tablets. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Tamoxifen coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for tamoxifen when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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