Soltamox (tamoxifen) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It’s used to treat early stage and advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in males and females. It’s also used to lower the risk for breast cancer in females who have a higher risk for breast cancer. Soltamox (tamoxifen) is an oral solution that’s taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It might be an alternative for people who can’t swallow tamoxifen tablets (Nolvadex). Some of the more common side effects of Soltamox (tamoxifen) include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling that might lead to weight gain.
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk
Soltamox (tamoxifen) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Some breast cancers depend on hormones like estrogen to grow. These breast cancers are called hormone receptor-positive (HR+).
Soltamox (tamoxifen) treats HR+ breast cancer by blocking estrogen from working on breast cancer tissue. By doing so, Soltamox (tamoxifen) prevents cancer cells from getting the fuel needed to grow, and stops the cancer from spreading
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Usually taken once a day
Oral solution, possible option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Can be stored at room temperature
Might help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
Soltamox is brand name only
Can’t take while pregnant or breastfeeding
Might raise your risk for blood clots, uterine cancer, and cataracts
Usually taken long term (at least 5 years)
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can be taken with or without food.
Use the supplied dosing cup to measure your Soltamox (tamoxifen) dose appropriately. Remember each 5 mL of the solution contains 10 mg of tamoxifen.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) is only good for 3 months after it’s been opened. To remind yourself, make sure to mark the date on the bottle when you first open it.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can interact with other medications, herbals, and food products. For example, drinking alcohol while taking Soltamox (tamoxifen) might prevent Soltamox (tamoxifen) from working well to treat your cancer.
It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Soltamox (tamoxifen). Doing so can worsen certain side effects of Soltamox (tamoxifen), such as hot flashes. Drinking can raise the level of estrogen in the body, and cause Soltamox (tamoxifen) to not work as well in treating cancer. If stopping alcohol is difficult for you, talk with your care team so they can recommend resources to help you quit.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can cause hot flashes. Talk with your oncologist if these symptoms are very uncomfortable. They can recommend ways to ease your symptoms, such as wearing loose fitting layers that you can remove easily and drinking more water throughout the day, instead of alcohol or caffeine.
You might experience swelling in the arms and legs (edema) after starting Soltamox (tamoxifen). To ease swelling, consider wearing compression stockings to keep your blood flowing. Choosing a low-salt diet can also help.
In rare situations, Soltamox (tamoxifen) can cause blood clots, even 2 to 3 months after stopping the medication. If you notice symptoms of blood clots, such as pain or swelling in your arms and legs, chest pain, or severe headache, get medical help right away.
In very rare cases, people taking Soltamox (tamoxifen) for breast cancer developed cancer in the uterus later on. If you notice signs of uterine cancer, such as unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting, stomach pain, let your oncologist know. You'll need immediate medical attention.
Talk with your oncologist if you're thinking about breastfeeding. Soltamox (tamoxifen) can pass into breast milk, which might pose a risk to breastfeeding infants. Because of this risk, you shouldn’t breastfeed while taking Soltamox (tamoxifen) and for 3 months after your last dose.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Receiving chemotherapy at the same time | Past blood clots
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can raise your risk of blood clots. Blood clots can develop in any part of the body, including in the veins in your legs (deep venous thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism) and brain (stroke). In clinical studies, people have reported blood clots anytime between 1 month to 5 years after starting treatment. This risk is higher for people receiving Soltamox (tamoxifen) at the same time as chemotherapy. If you’re having symptoms of blood clots, which can include swelling, pain, or redness in your legs, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical attention right away.
Risk factors: Taking tamoxifen for 2 years or longer
Though not common, there have been reports of people developing ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and uterine cancer after starting Soltamox (tamoxifen). The reason for this isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought that Soltamox (tamoxifen) acts like estrogen and can cause changes to the lining of the uterus. After you start Soltamox (tamoxifen), your oncologist might ask you to get yearly gynecology exams. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge, changes in your period, and pain or pressure in the area below your belly button (pelvis). These can be signs of uterine cancer. If you’ve had surgery to remove the uterus, you aren’t at risk for uterine cancer.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can raise your chance of developing cataracts and other eye problems. Let your provider know if you experience any changes in your vision, like slow blurring of your vision or changes in how you see color.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) might cause changes in liver enzyme levels. On rare occasions, people have reported serious liver problems and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver health regularly through blood draws while you're taking Soltamox (tamoxifen). If you develop liver problems, your healthcare provider might stop your treatment. Let your provider know if you experience yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, or tiredness, as these can be signs of liver problems.
Some people taking Soltamox (tamoxifen) for metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones have reported high blood calcium levels within a few weeks of starting treatment. Your oncologist might check your blood calcium level regularly after you start Soltamox (tamoxifen). If your level is very high, they’ll ask you to stop this medication. Symptoms of high blood calcium levels can include nausea, tiredness, and muscle weakness.
Though rare, some people have reported low platelet count after starting Soltamox (tamoxifen). It’s unclear whether the low platelet count is caused by Soltamox (tamoxifen) or by other factors. But having a low platelet level raises your risk for bleeding. Your oncologist will check your blood counts regularly to see if your levels are within a safe range. Let your healthcare team know if you notice bruises that won’t go away or bleeding that’s difficult to stop because these might be signs of low platelet count.
Soltamox (tamoxifen) can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you’re able to become pregnant, you should use non-hormonal birth control, like condoms or a diaphragm, while taking Soltamox (tamoxifen) and for 2 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
150ml of 10mg/5ml | 2 bottles | $60.00 | $30.00 |
Metastatic HR+ breast cancer: The typical dosing is 20 mg to 40 mg by mouth once daily. If your total daily dose is higher than 20 mg, your oncologist will ask you to divide it into 2 smaller doses and take it by mouth twice daily in the morning and evening.
Early stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery: The typical dosing is 20 mg by mouth once daily for 5 to 10 years.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): The typical dosing is 20 mg by mouth once daily for 5 years.
Lowering the risk of getting breast cancer: The typical dosing is 20 mg by mouth once daily for 5 years.
Females at high risk of developing breast cancer, and either currently taking warfarin (Coumadin) or have had blood clots in the past
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk
Hormone receptor (HR)-positive, advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Endometrial cancer.
Committee on Gynecologic Practice. (2024). Tamoxifen and uterine cancer. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Cuzick, J., et al. (2019). Use of anastrozole for breast cancer prevention (IBIS-II): Long-term results of a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet.
Fisher, B., et al. (2005). Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer: Current status of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Ghanavati, M., et al. (2023). Tamoxifen use and risk of endometrial cancer in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Cancer Reports.
Mayne Pharma. (2021). Soltamox- tamoxifen citrate liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). Ductal carcinoma in situ.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). Invasive breast cancer.
Park, J., et al. (2014). Pattern alopecia during hormonal anticancer therapy in patients with breast cancer. Annals of Dermatology.
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