NOLVADEX
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your NOLVADEX prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by AstraZeneca
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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NOLVADEX key facts
What is NOLVADEX?
NOLVADEX is the brand name for tamoxifen and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is NOLVADEX available in?
NOLVADEX is available as a 10 mg and 20 mg oral tablet.
What is NOLVADEX used for?
NOLVADEX is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used for:
- Metastatic HR+ breast cancer
- Early stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in women after breast surgery and radiation to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back
- Lowering the risk of getting breast cancer in women who are considered high risk
How does NOLVADEX work?
NOLVADEX is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Some breast cancers rely on hormones like estrogen to grow. These breast cancers are called hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Tamoxifen works to treat HR+ breast cancer by blocking estrogen from working on breast tissue. By blocking estrogen, cancer cells don’t have the fuel they need to grow, which stops breast cancer from growing and spreading.
How do I take NOLVADEX?
NOLVADEX is typically taken as 20 to 40 mg by mouth once daily. You will usually take NOLVADEX for 5 to 10 years depending on the condition being treated.
Is it safe for me to take NOLVADEX?
NOLVADEX is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant or are taking a coumarin-type anticoagulant therapy or in women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus
NOLVADEX Common Side Effects
Common side effects of NOLVADEX:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal discharge
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Nausea
- Irregular or no monthly bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Skin changes
NOLVADEX Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with NOLVADEX. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood clots in your veins or lungs: pain or swelling in your arms or legs, trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat
- Stroke: severe headache, sudden confusion, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking
- Cancers of the uterus: abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain or pressure in the area below the belly button (pelvis)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on NOLVADEX
The following medications may interact with NOLVADEX:
- When NOLVADEX is used in combination with cytotoxic agents, there is increased risk of thromboembolic events occurring
- Coumadin and other coumarin type anticoagulant use with NOVALDEX is contraindicated.
- Rifampicin use may cause a reduction in NOLVADEX plasma levels
- Reduced efficacy on NOLVADEX has been reported with concomitant usage of some SSRI antidepressants (e.g. paroxetine)
- For the primary reduction of breast cancer risk, there is some evidence that hormone replacement therapy may reduce the effectiveness of NOVALDEX
Who makes NOLVADEX?
AstraZeneca
Is NOLVADEX safe in pregnancy?
NOLVADEX should not be used if you are pregnant. Based on data from animal studies, NOLVADEX might cause harm to your unborn baby. If you’re a woman who’s able to have babies, you should use non-hormonal birth control, like condoms or a diaphragm, while taking NOLVADEX and for 2 months after the last dose.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my NOLVADEX prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your NOLVADEX prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient NOLVADEX savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient NOLVADEX savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for NOLVADEX | Canadian Prescription Savings* for NOLVADEX | NOLVADEX Drug Coupon* | NOLVADEX Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of NOLVADEX?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for NOLVADEX | Canadian Prescription Savings* for NOLVADEX | NOLVADEX Drug Coupon* | NOLVADEX Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the NOLVADEX savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the NOLVADEX drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for NOLVADEX, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the NOLVADEX prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, NOLVADEX is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed NOLVADEX for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the NOLVADEX prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the NOLVADEX prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for NOLVADEX
If you are having trouble paying for your NOLVADEX medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for NOLVADEX you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- NOLVADEX is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers NOLVADEX
- If NOLVADEX is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for NOLVADEX
If you are having trouble paying for your NOLVADEX medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for NOLVADEX you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers NOLVADEX
- If NOLVADEX is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for NOLVADEX
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your NOLVADEX treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for NOLVADEX you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for NOLVADEX
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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