Main content Tamoxifen

    Tamoxifen



    Drug Information

    Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen drug primarily used to treat women with Reference breast cancer or possibly to help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk. It is also used to treat mastalgia (painful breasts) and gynecomastia (abnormal breast enlargement in males).

    Common brand names:

    Nolvadex, Soltamox

    Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

    Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions
    Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

    Replenish Depleted Nutrients

    • none

    Reduce Side Effects

    • none

    Support Medicine

    • Reference Gamma Linolenic Acid

      Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in Reference evening primrose and Reference borage oils, may enhance the therapeutic effects of tamoxifen. A small group of breast cancer patients took 2.8 g of oral GLA per day in addition to tamoxifen, in a preliminary trial.1 Another group of breast cancer patients took tamoxifen alone. Those taking the GLA-tamoxifen combination appeared to have a better clinical response than did those taking tamoxifen alone. However, the results of this preliminary research are far from conclusive and need to be confirmed in a larger, more definitive trial.

    • Reference Melatonin

      In preliminary research, large amounts of melatonin were used successfully in combination with tamoxifen in a few people with Reference breast cancer for whom tamoxifen had previously failed.2 The amounts used in this study should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Tocotrienols

      Tocotrienols are compounds similar to Reference vitamin E that are found in palm oil. Test tube studies have shown that tocotrienols enhance the effects of tamoxifen.3 Controlled studies are needed to determine whether supplementing with tocotrienols might enhance the anticancer effects of tamoxifen.

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

    Reduces Effectiveness

    • none

    Potential Negative Interaction

    • Tangeretin

      Preliminary research in animals found that the citrus flavonoid tangeretin (found primarily in the peel of citrus fruits) interferes with the ability of tamoxifen to inhibit tumor growth.4 Although the evidence is far from conclusive, people taking tamoxifen should probably avoid citrus bioflavonoid supplements, as well as beverages and foods to which citrus peel oils have been added.

    Explanation Required 

    • none

    The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

    References

    1. Kenny FS, Pinder SE, Ellis IO, et al. Gamma linolenic acid with tamoxifen as primary therapy in breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2000;85:643–8.

    2. Lissoni P, Barni S, Meregalli S, et al. Modulation of cancer endocrine therapy by melatonin: A phase II study of tamoxifen plus melatonin in metastatic breast cancer patients progression under tamoxifen alone. Br J Cancer 1995;71:854–6.

    3. Guthrie N, Gapor A, Chambers AF, Carroll KK. Inhibition of proliferation of estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-435 and -positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by palm oil tocotrienols and tamoxifen, alone and in combination. J Nutr 1997;127:544S–8S.

    4. Bracke ME, Depypere HT, Boterberg T, et al. Influence of tangeretin on tamoxifen’s therapeutic benefit in mammary cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:354–9.

    Last Review: 11-07-2012

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