Tamoxifen citrate is a prescription medication available in tablet form. It is sold under the brand name Nolvadex. Tamoxifen competes with estrogen at binding sites, such as in the breast. It is indicated for breast cancer and the reduction of breast cancer risk in high-risk women. It is sometimes prescribed for enlarged breasts in men, breast pain, early puberty in females and McCune-Albright syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Cardiovascular and Blood-related
Cardiovascular and blood-related side effects are uncommon, and include swelling of the extremities, blood clot in the vein, chest pain, high blood calcium, low red blood cells, low white blood cells and low blood platelets.
Neurological and Vision-related
Neurological side effects of tamoxifen are rare, and include stroke, headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, depression, insomnia, anxiety, mood changes, difficulty seeing through the cornea, cataracts, decreased vision and diseases of the retina.
Gastrointestinal
Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea and vomiting. Less common side effects include stomach cramps, stomach pain, loss of appetite, heartburn, stomach disorder, constipation, diarrhea, changes in liver function test results and alteration in taste.
Urinary and Reproductive
Common reproductive side effects include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, menstrual changes and lack of menstrual periods. Uncommon side effects include cancer of the endometrium, cancer of the uterus, vaginal dryness, ovarian cyst, male loss of sexual interest, impotence and female external genital itching.
Skin-related
A common skin-related side effect of tamoxifen is a rash. Less common side effects include hair thinning, partial balding, skin changes and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening disorder characterized by a severe, blistering rash and fever.
Other Side Effects
Common side effects include flushing and loss of strength. Less common side effects include cough, blood clot in the pulmonary artery, sore throat, difficulty breathing, sweating, fracture, fatigue, joint pain and inflammation, osteoporosis, infection, weight loss, musculoskeletal pain, fluid-retention due to a blocked lymph node, swelling of the extremities and life-threatening pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Bone and tumor pain may increase when the drug is first administered. According to "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," this drug has caused cancer in animal studies.
Warnings
Avoid grapefruit juice while taking tamoxifen. Do not use while pregnant. This drug can cause light-headedness and caution should be taken if performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving. Women should have regular gynecological exams while taking this medication.
References
- "2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch; 2005
- RxList.com: Nolvadex Side Effects
- Drugs.com: Nolvadex
