Trustmed Lifecare

Tamoxifen Citrate 10 mg Tablets are oral prescription medications used primarily to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.  They are also used to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women at high risk, including those with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). 

Each tablet contains 10 mg of tamoxifen, equivalent to 15.2 mg of tamoxifen citrate.  The active ingredient is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue, thereby inhibiting the growth of hormone-sensitive cancer cells. 

Key details:

• Available strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. 

• Inactive ingredients vary by manufacturer but commonly include:

  • Anhydrous lactose

  • Silicon dioxide

  • Crospovidone

  • Magnesium stearate

  • Microcrystalline cellulose

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate

  • (Other formulations may include starch, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, etc.)

• Appearance: Round, white (or off-white) tablets, typically 7 mm in size. 

• Packaging: Available in bottles (e.g., 60 tablets) with NDC codes such as 0378-0144-91 (Mylan) or 59651-299-60 (Pfizer). 

• Route of administration: Oral.

• Marketing status: Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) approved. 

Important warnings: Tamoxifen increases the risk of serious, life-threatening events in high-risk women and those with DCIS, including uterine malignancies (endometrial adenocarcinoma and uterine sarcoma), stroke, and pulmonary embolism.  These risks are outlined in a boxed warning. The benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Common side effects include hot flashes, nausea, headache, muscle aches, leg cramps, fatigue, and vaginal discharge. Rare but serious side effects include blood clots, stroke, and cataracts. 

Do not stop taking tamoxifen without consulting your doctor, as stopping early may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Always follow your prescribed treatment duration.