How to Overcome Side Effects of Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a drug that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved to treat breast cancer and to help prevent recurrence of the disease. The medication works to block estrogen in the breasts, helping to limit the growth and production of cancer cells. Unfortunately, tamoxifen has also been reported to cause a number of side effects, from hot flashes and depression to chronic conditions such as endometrial cancer and stroke. Careful consultation with your doctor, as well as healthy habits and prescription medications, can help you overcome these and other side effects while taking tamoxifen.
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Instructions
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Start by talking to your doctor who can help you carefully weigh the health risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen. While the drug has been highly effective in treating and preventing the recurrence of breast cancer, it also carries an increased risk of serious health complications. Some serious complications reported by a small percentage of women taking tamoxifen include blood clotting, uterine abnormalities, cataracts or other eye conditions, stroke and endometrial cancer .
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Make sure to get regular exercise and take calcium supplements if you are experiencing hot flashes, which may occur along with tamoxifen use. Cardiovascular exercise also can help you cope with the potential side effect of weight gain. If the hot flashes aren't alleviated by these remedies, consult with your physician about the prescription medicines clonidine and megace, designed to treat hot flashes, or about the possibility of taking a break from tamoxifen to help reduce the incidence of hot flashes.
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Take note if you are experiencing significant mood swings or if you're feeling depressed, which may occur along with tamoxifen use. Talk to your doctor to determine whether Tamoxifen is the cause of the depression. She may advise you to take month-long to two-month-long breaks from the medication to help lessen the feelings of depression.
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Talk to your health-care provider about how to alleviate another potential side effect of tamoxifen, nausea and vomiting, which may take place during the first few weeks of taking the drug.
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Describe any symptoms of itching or vaginal dryness to your gynecologist, as these conditions sometimes accompany tamoxifen use. He should be able to prescribe a lubricant to help remoisturize the vaginal walls or can suggest an effective over-the-counter variety.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not suddenly stop taking a prescribed dosage of Tamoxifen without first consulting with your health care provider.
