This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
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What are the possible side effects of tamoxifen?
- Stop taking tamoxifen and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- possible symptoms of a stroke such as unusual weakness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty walking or talking;
- possible symptoms of a blood clot in the lung such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood;
- possible symptoms of a blood clot in the brain or leg such as blurred vision, changes in vision, numbness, or pain or swelling in a leg;
- new breast lumps;
- bone pain;
- menstrual changes, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure;
- pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
- excessive nausea, vomiting, or thirst.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tamoxifen and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness or headache;
- mild nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
- vaginal itching;
- hot flashes; or
- changes in weight.
- Treatment with tamoxifen may increase the risk of certain uterine cancers, stroke, and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung), which may be fatal. You should discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits associated with the use of tamoxifen.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect tamoxifen?
- Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor if you are taking
- an estrogen such as Premarin, Ogen, Estratest, Estraderm, Vivelle, Climara, and others;
- a birth control pill that contains estrogen;
- warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner; or
- bromocriptine (Parlodel).
- You may not be able to take tamoxifen or you may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tamoxifen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about tamoxifen written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 4.02. Revision date: 3/12/03.