Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my tamoxifen

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your tamoxifen using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for tamoxifen, Canadian Prescription Savings for tamoxifen, tamoxifen Drug Coupons, tamoxifen Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is tamoxifen available in?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen is available as a 10 mg and 20 mg oral tablet.

Question 3

What is tamoxifen used for?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen 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

Question 4

How does tamoxifen work?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen 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.

Question 5

How do I take tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen is typically taken as 20 to 40 mg by mouth once daily. You will usually take tamoxifen for 5 to 10 years depending on the condition being treated.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen 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

Question 7

tamoxifen Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of tamoxifen:  Hot flashes Vaginal discharge Swelling in the arms and legs Nausea Irregular or no monthly bleeding Vaginal bleeding Weight loss Skin changes

Question 8

tamoxifen Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with tamoxifen. 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)

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on tamoxifen

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with tamoxifen:  When tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen plasma levels Reduced efficacy on tamoxifen 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

Question 10

Who makes tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is tamoxifen safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

tamoxifen should not be used if you are pregnant. Based on data from animal studies, tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen and for 2 months after the last dose.

Question 12

What is the brand name for tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

NOLVADEX

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my tamoxifen prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your tamoxifen prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient tamoxifen savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient tamoxifen savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

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 tamoxifen	Canadian Prescription Savings* for tamoxifen	tamoxifen Drug Coupon*	tamoxifen 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.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of tamoxifen?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for tamoxifen	Canadian Prescription Savings* for tamoxifen	tamoxifen Drug Coupon*	tamoxifen 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.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the tamoxifen savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen, 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).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the tamoxifen prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the tamoxifen prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, 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 contribution, 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.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the tamoxifen 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 contributions?

Accepted Answer

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 tamoxifen

If you are having trouble paying for your tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen
If tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen

If you are having trouble paying for your tamoxifen medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen
If tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen

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 tamoxifen 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 tamoxifen you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for tamoxifen
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.