Tamoxifin Side Effects
Tamoxifen, sold under brand name Soltamax, is an estrogen hormone blocker primarily used to treat and prevent the types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow. Average dose is between 20 and 40 mg per day. Side effects are usually mild, but potentially dangerous reactions can occur.
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Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects of tamoxifen are hot flashes, bloating, changes in menstrual cycles, vaginal discharge, bone pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss and skin changes.
Serious Side Effects
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Less common serious side effects include stroke, blood clots, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cataracts forming in the eyes, endometriosis and liver damage. Tamoxifen can also increase your risk of uterine cancer.
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Drug Interactions
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Although tamoxifen is often used with certain blood thinners, it might also increase the effect of those medications, meaning it could increase bleeding and clotting time.
Precautions
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Patients with certain conditions, including liver disease, a history of strokes or clotting disorders, a history of cataracts and high blood levels of fatty acids might need additional tests to determine a safe dose.
Considerations
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Because of the potential for serious side effects, patients need to have routine mammograms and undergo liver function testing throughout the course of treatment.
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