What side affects does tamoxifen have?

Answer 1

Tamoxifen is the most commonly used medicine for the treatment of breast cancer. Estrogen promotes the growth of some breast cancer cells. Tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an antiestrogen.

About one-half of all breast cancers test positive for estrogen receptors (ER+). Tamoxifen is most effective for treating this type of breast cancer.

Tamoxifen slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that are already present in the body. It helps keep the original breast cancer from coming back and helps prevent new cancer in the opposite breast. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing the disease.

The most common side effects caused by tamoxifen are hot flashes and vaginal dryness, discharge, or irritation. These side effects are not usually serious.

Other side effects are rare but are more dangerous. These include:

* Overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).
* An increased risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Changes in the blood's ability to clot have been reported in patients receiving tamoxifen.
* A small increased chance of stroke.
* Ovarian cysts.
* An increased risk of cataract formation and the need for surgery for cataracts.
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Answer 2

Less common or rare
• Anxiety
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin and mucous membranes
• blurred vision
• cataracts in the eyes or other eye problems
• change in vaginal discharge
• chest pain
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hoarseness
• lightheadedness
• lower back or side pain
• pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• pain or swelling in the legs
• pain, redness, or swelling in your arm or leg
• painful or difficult urination
• rapid shallow breathing
• shortness of breath or trouble with breathing
• skin rash or itching over the entire body
• sweating
• weakness or sleepiness
• wheezing
• vaginal bleeding
• yellow eyes or skin

Answer 3

As with most drugs it CAN have quite a range of side effects and you should have gotten an information sheet with your presciption. But there might be no side effects for you. I took it for 5 years and didn't really notice anything.

www.breastcancer.org is an excellent site for information about breast cancer and its treatments.