A single 20mg tablet of Generic Tamoxifen is a non‑brand version of tamoxifen citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator used primarily in breast cancer treatment can cost less than $0.30 when ordered online, a price that would surprise most patients.
Brand‑name tamoxifen (often sold as "Nolvadex") includes marketing, patented formulations, and higher distribution costs. Generic manufacturers skip those fees, producing the same active ingredient-Tamoxifen Citrate the chemically identical drug that provides the therapeutic effect-at scale. The result is a lower Cost per mg the price you pay for each milligram of active ingredient.
In South Africa, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) the agency that approves medicines for local sale requires any imported medication to meet the same quality standards as locally produced drugs. Internationally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the U.S. regulator that vets drug safety and efficacy and the World Health Organization (WHO) the UN health agency that maintains the Essential Medicines List both recognise tamoxifen as an essential medication, meaning reputable manufacturers must follow strict Good Manufacturing Practices.
Attribute | Generic Tamoxifen | Brand Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) | Raloxifene |
---|---|---|---|
Active ingredient | Tamoxifen Citrate | Tamoxifen Citrate | Raloxifene Hydrochloride |
Typical price per 20mg tablet (USD) | $0.25‑$0.35 | $2.50‑$3.00 | $1.20‑$1.80 |
Regulatory approval (US) | FDA‑approved generic | FDA‑approved brand | FDA‑approved |
Common indications | Breast cancer adjuvant therapy | Same as generic | Osteoporosis prevention in post‑menopausal women |
Side‑effect profile | Hot flashes, VTE risk, uterine changes | Identical to generic | Hot flashes, VTE risk (slightly lower) |
Check the labeling for batch number, expiration date, and strength. If anything looks off, contact the pharmacy immediately and consider reporting the site to SAHPRA the South African regulator that handles drug safety complaints. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place and follow your doctor’s dosing schedule exactly.
No. In South Africa and most other jurisdictions, tamoxifen is a prescription‑only medication. Websites that ignore this rule are likely illegal and unsafe.
Yes. Generic tamoxifen contains the same active ingredient (tamoxifen citrate) at the same strength and must meet the same bio‑equivalence standards set by the FDA and WHO.
Standard international shipping ranges from 5‑10 business days. Express options can deliver within 2‑4 days, but they cost more.
Stop using them, contact the pharmacy for verification, and report the issue to SAHPRA. Keep the packaging and any documentation for investigation.
Reputable pharmacies list all costs up front, including shipping, taxes, and any handling fees. If a site adds extra charges after you’ve entered payment details, walk away.
By following the steps above, you can buy generic tamoxifen online at a price that fits your budget while staying on the safe side of regulations.