Tamoxifen citrate is an antineoplastic or cancer-fighting medication. Tamoxifen is also classified as an antiestrogen medication because it blocks estradiol at estrogen receptors. For this reason, Tamoxifen is effective for treating estrogen receptor positive tumors. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Tamoxifen treats metastatic breast cancer in women and men, and is a treatment option for premenopausal women instead of removal of, or irradiating of, ovaries.
General Side Effects
The NIH reports that adverse reactions to Tamoxifen are rare and generally mild and do not result in discontinuation of treatment. Adverse effects of Tamoxifen that affect the body as a whole and occur in greater than 1 percent of tested populations include alopecia (hair loss), weight gain, photosensitivity, hot flashes, increased bone pain, shortness of breath, elevated serum calcium levels and occasional disease flare-ups. During initiation of treatment, breast tumors may enlarge, become tender, and cause localized redness and swelling.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling sleepy, mental confusion and depression may occur while taking Tamoxifen.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Patients taking Tamoxifen have a potential risk of thrombosis (blood clot) to any part of the body, including the lung or brain.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Tamoxifen may cause nausea and vomiting, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and a decreased appetite.
Hematologic Side Effects
Tamoxifen may decrease white blood cell production and cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) making a patient taking Tamoxifen more prone to bleeding and infection.
Dermatologic Side Effects
Patients taking Tamoxifen may experience rash or skin dryness.
Side Effects to Special Senses
Tamoxifen may cause retinopathy, blurred vision and decreased visual acuity. These symptoms should be reported to a health care provider.
Urogenital Side Effects
Tamoxifen will cause changes in menstruation in premenopausal women, as well as cause milk production and leaking from breasts, vaginal discharge and bleeding, vaginal dryness and risk of uterine malignancies.
Warnings
The NIH advises patients to seek medical care immediately if they experience any of the following adverse reactions while taking Tamoxifen, or after taking Tamoxifen: new breast lumps, vaginal bleeding, changes in menstrual cycle, changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or pressure, swelling or tenderness in the calf, shortness of breath, sudden chest pain, coughing up blood or changes in vision.
References
- National Institute of Health: Tamoxifen Daily Med Sheet
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010;" Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
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