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Tatyana
Elite Mentor
Just to cover all the bases, it is best to be aware of all the research/sides on drugs.
Tamoxifan/Nolvadex
BBC NEWS | Health | Medical notes | Tamoxifen
So the drug has side-effects?
Women who take Tamoxifen run an increased risk of getting uterine cancer - about two to three times the normal incidence of the disease. The drug may also induce symptoms similar to those of the menopause, such as hot flushes. Other common side effects include vaginal dryness, irregular periods and weight gain. But experts stress that all the studies done on the drug so far show that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
Are there any other benefits?
Although Tamoxifen is an oestrogen inhibitor in breast tissue, it does behave as a weak oestrogen in other parts of the body. This means it can work like oestrogen replacement therapies and protect the patient against osteoporosis - the brittle-bone condition that affects many post-menopausal women.
Tamoxifen: Cancer Research UK: CancerHelp UK
Common side effects
Many people will have one or more of the following side effects
Hot flushes and sweats – around 45% of women have moderate to severe hot flushes and sweats while taking tamoxifen
Changes to your periods – if you haven’t had your menopause your periods may become irregular. Some women find their periods stop. They usually start again within 6 to12 months of treatment finishing. However, for some women close to the time of their natural menopause they don’t start again
Fatigue or tiredness affects about 1 out of 4 women
Painful joints happen in about 1 out of 4 (25%) women
Tamoxifen may have a harmful effect on a developing baby and before you start treatment you should let your doctor or nurse know if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant
Tamoxifen is not a contraceptive and even if your periods have stopped, you could become pregnant while you are on treatment – discuss contraception with your doctor before you start your treatment
Feeling or being sick affects about 1 out of 5 women (20%) – it usually happens at the start of treatment and goes after a few days or weeks, but tends to be mild and easily controlled by anti sickness tablets
Occasional side effects
Some people will have one or more of the following effects
Discharge from the vagina, dryness and itching affect about 1 in 10 women – tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these side effects
Fluid retention may cause ankle and or finger swelling (or weight gain) in about one in 10 people
Weight gain – fewer than 1 in 10 people (10%) put on weight while they are taking tamoxifen.
Headaches
Low mood or depression – about 1 in 10 people (10%) treated have some change in their mood. Let your doctor or nurse know if you feel low or depressed.
Hair thinning is usually only slight and not noticeable
Rare side effects
A few people may have the following effects
Tumour flare – if you have cancer that has spread to your bones, you may have some increased pain when you first start taking tamoxifen. This is called ‘tumour flare’. Very rarely it makes you feel sick, thirsty or constipated. These symptoms can be signs that the level of calcium in your blood has gone up. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.
Your risk of blood clots (thrombosis) can slightly increase when you take tamoxifen. If you or a close relative have had a blood clot in the past tell your doctor. They may want to change you to a different type of hormone therapy
Liver changes that are very mild and unlikely to cause symptoms – the liver will almost certainly go back to normal when treatment is finished, but you will have regular blood tests to check how well your liver is working
Eye problems can very occasionally occur – if you notice any changes in your eyesight tell your doctor
A skin rash
Womb cancer – there is a very slight increase risk of developing a cancer of the womb. If you have any abnormal bleeding, or other symptoms that concern you, tell your doctor so you can have a check up.
Tamoxifen can react with the drug warfarin. If you are taking warfarin you will need to have regular blood tests, and your dose of warfarin may need to be adjusted.
Important things to remember
The side effects above may be mild or more severe. A side effect may get better or worse through your course of treatment, or more side effects may develop as the course goes on. This depends on
How many times you've had the drug before
Your general health
The amount of the drug you have (the dose)
Other drugs you are having
