Tamoxifen Price in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re looking for tamoxifen, you probably want to know how much it costs and where to get it without overpaying. In South Africa the price can vary a lot depending on whether you buy the brand name (Nolvadex) or a generic version, the pharmacy you use, and if you have a prescription that’s covered by medical aid.

Typical Price Range for Tamoxifen

As of mid‑2025 most online and brick‑and‑mortar pharmacies list 20 mg tamoxifen tablets at around ZAR 150 – ZAR 250 for a 30‑day supply of the generic. The brand name Nolvadex usually sits a bit higher, roughly ZAR 300 – ZAR 420 for the same pack. Prices can swing if you buy a larger pack (90 days) – you’ll often see a 10‑15% discount per tablet.

Medical aid schemes that include oncology drugs may cover part of the cost. If your plan does, you’ll only pay the co‑pay, which can be as low as ZAR 30 per month. Always check the latest schedule of benefits with your insurer.

How to Save on Tamoxifen

Here are three quick ways to keep the price down:

• Shop reputable online pharmacies. Sites that require a valid prescription and show clear pricing usually beat street‑corner pharmacies. Look for a pharmacy registration number on the page.
• Choose generic over brand. The active ingredient is the same, and South African regulators ensure quality. Most doctors are happy to prescribe the generic.
• Take advantage of bulk orders. Ordering a 90‑day supply once a quarter often saves you a few rand per tablet and reduces shipping fees.

Never buy tamoxifen from an unverified source. A cheap price can hide counterfeit pills that won’t work and could be harmful.

When you’re ready to order, keep these steps handy: make sure your doctor writes a clear prescription, verify the pharmacy’s license on the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) website, compare at least two prices, and check the delivery time. Most reputable sites will ship within 2‑3 business days and include a tracking number.

In case you’re traveling or living near a border, some South African shoppers find it cheaper to order from neighboring countries that have lower drug taxes. If you go this route, double‑check that the medication meets SAHPRA standards.

Finally, talk to your pharmacist about splitting tablets if your dose allows. Some patients take 10 mg twice a day instead of one 20 mg tablet, which can let you buy lower‑strength tablets that are sometimes cheaper.

Bottom line: the average generic tamoxifen price in South Africa sits around ZAR 200 for a month’s supply, but with a prescription, a good pharmacy, and a little price‑checking, you can often bring that down to under ZAR 150. Keep an eye on your medical aid benefits and always verify the pharmacy’s credentials – that’s the safest way to get your medication without breaking the bank.