The factors that affect a Nolvadex® dosage are similar to those that may affect the dosage of any other drug. The most common include age, weight, and prescribed amount along with medical history and current medication regimen. Medical professionals should assess these factors when choosing the appropriate Nolvadex® dosage for a particular individual.
Nolvadex® is a brand name for the drug Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is also commonly branded under the aliases Istubal and Valodex. This drug is classified as an estrogen receptor antagonist and is used to treat hormone receptor positive breast cancer, most often in the early stages. The proper Nolvadex® dosage can both maximize the effectiveness of this drug and minimize any adverse side effects. This is why it is imperative that a medical professional, likely specializing in oncology, take into consideration all of the factors when prescribing a Nolvadex® dosage for a patient.
The size of a person can dramatically affect appropriate dose. The medication concentration must be in the right range for full effectiveness, and giving a set amount to a 100-pound (45-kg) person in comparison with a 250-pound (114-kg) individual will yield concentration disparities. Medical professionals compensate for such disparities by increasing the Nolvadex® dosage.
Age is also an important factor affecting dosage because metabolic variations as people age can contribute to differences in medication action. Doctors also take into account genetic and medical history during medication prescription. There are indeed a number of other factors as well, one being current medications that a person may be on.
Some medications may increase the effects of Nolvadex®, while others may stagnate its actions. Identifying such interactions can help the prescribing professional alter the Nolvadex® dosage appropriately. All trained professionals should possess the skills and knowledge to take into account all factors while prescribing any medication, always keeping in mind the best interest of the patient.
Cancer is a deadly disease, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spreading of a malignant mass in a particular area. One way in which the cells of a cancerous mass, such as breast cancer, spread is through growth activation by estrogen. When the hormone estrogen binds to these cells, it stimulates growth. Drugs such as Nolvadex® compete with this binding mechanism to inhibit estrogen's effect on growth, thereby minimizing cancerous growth and assisting other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. There are also similar hormonal interventions that usually focus on preventing estrogen genesis rather than competing with it, as in the case of Tamoxifen.