Oncology Support
Breast and prostate cancer hormone therapies, targeted cancer medicines and a supportive antiemetic make up this range. Nolvadex, Altraz and Aromasin are among the recognised names here.
Tamoxifen Tablets
20mg
Tamoxifen tablets for breast cancer. It blocks oestrogen that some breast cancers rely on to grow.
Methotrexate Tablets
2.5mg · 5mg · 7.5mg · 10mg
Methotrexate tablets for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It calms the immune system's attack on joints and skin.
Key points
- Cancer medicines here split into two roles: most act directly on a tumour, while a smaller group provides supportive care for treatment effects.
- Efudex is applied topically here, listed for actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma rather than a systemic cancer treatment.
- Three of the twelve medicines here, Hydrea, Gleevec and Sprycel, are listed for chronic myeloid leukaemia.
- Methotrexate Tablets is listed for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis as well as acute lymphocytic leukaemia, spanning antirheumatic and antineoplastic roles.
Tamoxifen, anastrozole and exemestane for breast cancer
Tamoxifen is the ingredient in both Nolvadex and Tamoxifen Tablets, listed for breast cancer; Nolvadex is also listed under Women’s Health. Anastrozole is the aromatase inhibitor in Altraz, and exemestane is the aromatase inhibitor in Aromasin, each also listed for breast cancer. Casodex contains bicalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor listed for prostate cancer.
Targeted therapies and supportive care
Gleevec contains imatinib, also listed for gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Sprycel contains dasatinib, also listed for acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Hydrea contains hydroxycarbamide, also listed for head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia. Tarceva contains erlotinib, listed for non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Zofran contains ondansetron, supportive care here for chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting rather than a tumour-directed treatment.
Further reading
Which cancer medicines are available on Direct Meds?
Direct Meds lists 12 cancer medicines. Together they contain 11 different active ingredients, including tamoxifen, anastrozole and exemestane. Examples include Nolvadex and Tamoxifen Tablets; all 12 medicines are listed on this page.
What do cancer medicines treat?
Between them, the cancer medicines on Direct Meds are used for breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphocytic leukaemia, prostate cancer and actinic keratosis.
Do cancer medicines come as tablets or other forms?
Mostly as tablets, with some creams and capsules. The forms and strengths are listed on each product page.
How do I compare cancer medicines?
Start with the active ingredient: there are 11 different ones in this range. Products with the same active ingredient contain the same medicine. Compare their strength, form and price per unit. Each product page's details table lists uses, how quickly it works, side effects and interactions. If you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a long-term condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Are these cancer medicines brand-name or generic?
Mostly generic. Names such as Nolvadex and Aromasin identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength. Another medicine, Altraz, is listed under its own name; for it you receive a branded generic or generic with the same active ingredient, depending on stock.
What you will receive →How much do cancer medicines cost in South Africa?
Compare each medicine, strength and pack on its product page. Prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollars, so the final rand total can change with the exchange rate. Larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription to buy cancer medicines in South Africa?
No. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order cancer medicines. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy cancer medicines online in South Africa?
Choose a product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →