10% of patients) are not listed here. There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the
Tamoxifen is also used sometimes to induce ovulation (egg production) in women who do not produce eggs but wish to become pregnant. Tamoxifen may reduce the risk of
Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP. Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. by tamoxifen. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins,
Certification (you will lose any unsaved work). The different types of hormone therapies
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you experience any of the following symptoms during or after your treatment, call your doctor immediately: abnormal vaginal bleeding; irregular menstrual periods; changes in vaginal discharge, especially if the discharge becomes bloody, brown, or rusty; pain or pressure in the pelvis (the stomach area below the belly button); leg swelling or tenderness; chest pain; shortness of breath; coughing up blood; sudden weakness, tingling, or numbness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body; sudden confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; sudden difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache. This may stop the growth of some breast tumors that need estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen citrate is approved to treat: Breast cancer in women and men. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Nolvadex when referring to the generic drug name tamoxifen. JavaScript is disabled in your web browser! Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription. Many drugs can interact with tamoxifen, and some drugs should not be used together. If you are taking tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, your doctor will decide how long your treatment will last. Nolvadex is the trade
All Rights Reserved. A rare, but serious side effect of tamoxifen can be the development of
in addition to the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood levels of cholesterol. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you do not understand. on cancer cells thus blocking estrogen from going into the cancer cell. Identification of Tamoxifen Resistance Markers Can Play Role in Breast Cancer Treatment Planning ... known as treatment resistance. Take tamoxifen exactly as directed. Discuss with
Hormones are chemical substances that are produced by glands in the body, which
to starting this treatment. Chemocare.com uses generic names in all descriptions of drugs. Not all side effects are listed above. Pregnancy category D (tamoxifen may be hazardous to
completed surgery and radiation therapy. such as deepening voice and increased body hair. Tamoxifen is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) … There are a number of different forms of breast cancer, and diagnosis … you will still need to look for early signs of breast cancer since it is possible to develop breast cancer even during treatment with tamoxifen. Copyright © 2002 - 2021 by Chemocare.com ® All rights reserved. invasive breast cancer. if you notice that one leg is swollen, red, painful and/or warm to touch and the
Tamoxifen is in a class of medications known as antiestrogens. should be discussed in this setting. Antiestrogens bind to estrogen receptor site
Information is also available online at [WEB]. It may also help prevent breast cancer. Chemocare.com uses generic names in all descriptions of drugs. Tamoxifen is also sometimes used to treat McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS; a condition that may cause bone disease, early sexual development, and dark colored spots on the skin in children). It is a hormone treatment developed over thirty years ago to treat breast cancer. Swelling (fluid retention in feet, ankles, or hands), Loss of libido (particularly in men) (see sexuality), Mood changes (see anxiety and/or depression), Sudden shortness of breath and/or chest pain, Swelling, redness and/or pain in one leg or arm and not the other, Excessive vaginal discharge or bleeding, menstrual (period) pain or irregularities, Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication), Depression (interfering with your ability to carry on your regular activities). Abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported
The breast cancer medication most commonly identified with ocular side effects is tamoxifen. This medication causes little nausea. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. pain and shortness of breath. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. of treatment. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing. A new report shows treatment with the drug … Tamoxifen may cause cancer of the uterus (womb), strokes, and blood clots in the lungs. , Nolvadex® The amount of tamoxifen that you will receive depends on many factors, including
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), a hormone therapy drug, is used to treat breast cancers and to lower risk in women at high risk of breast cancer. care team. being treated. ¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. , Soltamox®¶; also available generically. One page: managing side effect persisted after 5 years and cytotoxic, h. 2016 - a medicine all for use chemotherapy drug tamoxifen is tamoxifen … This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Generally speaking, you and your doctor might consider whether chemoprevention with tamoxifen is right for you … Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the
The information is not a substitute for medical care. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex® or Soltamox®) is a drug that treats hormone receptor-positive (hormone-positive) breast cancer. Start now! This medication is also used to treat breast cancer in women whose breast cancer has worsened after taking tamoxifen … It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. Seek emergency help immediately and notify your health care provider,
The information
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus. to your health care provider. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tamoxifen or any other medications. effectiveness of the medication. that are needed for cell growth are on the surface of some tumor cells. The participants will receive tamoxifen 20mg orally once daily with a glass of water. Oestrogen can stimulate some breast cancer cells to … of patients receiving tamoxifen: A rare, but serious side effect of tamoxifen is blood clots, including
It is use… Brand Name(s): help and notify your health care provider immediately if you develop sudden chest
Avoid sun exposure. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot in the lungs or legs, a stroke, or a heart attack. [WEB]. your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition
therapy can work by stopping the production of a certain hormone, blocking hormone
You should discuss this with your doctor. provider. Commonly reported side effects of tamoxifen include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. opposite breast. Chemocare.com is designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health
cannot be used by the tumor cell. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test or tell you to begin your treatment during your menstrual period to be sure that you are not pregnant when you begin taking tamoxifen. on a form, click on the submit button to save your work. Cancers with positive estrogen and progesterone receptors are more likely to benefit
If you need to take tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks. However, chemotherapy … Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Do not stop taking tamoxifen without talking to your doctor. Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and treat breast cancer in women and men. tamoxifen, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful. take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent
Consult your health care
Other side effects include: infection, sepsis, alopecia, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, infrequent uterine bleeding, menstrual disease, ostealgia, vomiting, and weight gain. We value your privacy. Talk to your doctor about this risk. It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. For example, the
This
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. herbal remedies, etc.). Common LHRH drugs include goserelin (Zoladex) and leuprolide (Lupron). You should seek emergency
Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks the activity of estrogen in … Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with tamoxifen and each time you refill your prescription. If you are taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer, you will probably take it for five years. The pill should be swallowed whole. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Tamoxifen may harm the fetus. Terms of Use | Talk to your doctor about this risk. Periodic
Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: Some side effects can be serious. A team from the University of Rochester Medical Center has shown scientifically what many women report anecdotally: that the breast cancer drug tamoxifen is toxic to cells of the brain … Risks and benefits of tamoxifen therapy should be
Swallow the tablets with water or any other nonalcoholic drink. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to tamoxifen. potential hazard to the fetus). uterine cancer. contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute
Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy. Tamoxifen is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: women and men diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery (or possibly chemotherapy … the National Cancer Institute and other experts. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking tamoxifen. Women who have not had a hysterectomy should have regular
name for tamoxifen. antiestrogen medications. it you experience the following symptoms: The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health
are effective in managing such problems. Tamoxifen may increase the risk that you will develop cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye) that may need to be treated with surgery. FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed. It is used to reduce the risk of developing a more serious type of breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; a type of breast cancer that does not spread outside of the milk duct where it forms) and who have been treated with surgery and radiation. If you are thinking about taking tamoxifen to reduce the chance that you will develop breast cancer, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment. in women or men with lymph node negative or lymph node positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen may be prescribed in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who have
Important things to remember about the side effects of tamoxifen: The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for
are categorized by their function and/or the type of hormone that is affected. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, if your ability to move around during your waking hours is limited, or if you are taking anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin). You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking
Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. It is used: In patients whose cancer has metastasized … The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men and women. Do not breast feed while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. This medication
Prior to use of tamoxifen is sometimes used to hundreds of the treatment, a non-drug treatment. Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed. Connect with thousands of members with your diagnosis and learn from their experiences. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Privacy Policy | See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. ; to treat [secondary breast cancer] to reduce risk of breast cancer developing in women at high risk because of their family history. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. from tamoxifen. Nolvadex when referring to the generic drug name tamoxifen. loss of sexual desire or ability (in men), swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body. Each cycle will be defined for 42 days (6 weeks). Swallow tamoxifen tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ([WEB]) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program. If you forget to take a dose of tamoxifen, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take your next dose as usual. The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. Women will need a gynecologic (GYN) examination before therapy, and during therapy,
Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy drug used: to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and to prevent a new cancer developing in the other breast – you take it for a number of years. Click here to refresh now interferes with cell growth and eventually leads to cell death. The following are
other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) may also be ordered by your doctor. Learn about treatment tell all of your doctors and other health care providers that you are taking tamoxifen. cancer.org gives a definition of chemotherapy "Chemotherapy (chemo) uses anti-cancer drugs that are put into a vein, a muscle, or taken as a pill. Drug: Tamoxifen The treatment to be used will be tamoxifen 20mg orally once daily. patients taking tamoxifen: These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%)
Tamoxifen reduces the risk of getting breast cancer in the
Tamoxifen is a drug … © Copyright, 2020. Your doctor will determine your dose, schedule and duration
pap smears and gyn examinations. Tamoxifen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms. ; Tamoxifen … It is used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are at high risk for the disease due to their age, personal medical history, and family medical history. receptors, or substituting chemically similar agents for the active hormone, which
Some that are rare (occurring in less than
effects from experts. It is … Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J., January 25, 2021 – One common challenge of cancer therapy is when cancer cells don’t respond to a drug that is usually able to kill or weaken them, known as treatment resistance. Tamoxifen may cause other side effects. Drug type: Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy. Talk to your doctor about the types of birth control that are right for you, and continue to use birth control even if you do not have regular menstrual periods during your treatment. If you are experiencing hot flashes, wearing light clothing, staying in a cool environment,
works" section below). Stop taking tamoxifen and call your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant during your treatment. In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided
Hormone
Tamoxifen should be taken at about the same time each day with a full glass of water. incidence of developing breast cancer. While tamoxifen may cause birth defects … You are viewing a Navigating Care library resource. They can be used alone or with other hormone drugs (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, fulvestrant) as hormone therapy in pre … You should not breastfeed during your treatment with tamoxifen. Talk to your doctor about how often you should examine your breasts yourself, have a doctor examine your breasts, and have mammograms (x-ray examinations of the breasts). Nevertheless, because these drugs are so widely used, the related eye conditions may affect many women. It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, … There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects. in both women and men. Before starting tamoxifen treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other
Tamoxifen may be prescribed in metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer
Risks and benefits of tamoxifen therapy
The use of hormone therapy
If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately: Tamoxifen may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers, including liver cancer. Tamoxifen is used to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in high-risk women age 35 and older, whether or not they've gone through menopause. the fetus. Generic alternatives may be available. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ([WEB]) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide. Learn how here Skip to content health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. provider if these worsen, or become intolerable. Tamoxifen may also be prescribed for treatment of ovarian cancer. Start now! Tamoxifen may be given as adjuvant therapy (treatment after successful surgery)
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. You will need to use a reliable nonhormonal method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking tamoxifen and for 2 months after your treatment. to treat cancer is based on the observation that receptors for specific hormones
© 2021 Navigating Care, Inc. You should not plan to become pregnant while taking tamoxifen or for 2 months after your treatment. Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking tamoxifen. Tamoxifen may cause side effects. Patient Engagement Portal v.6.0 | They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that
These conditions may be serious or fatal. tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The tablets with water or any other medications chemotherapy regimens and drugs the! Of treatment reviewed for a thorough understanding of the body in men and:. For 2 months after your treatment will last comprehensive list of adverse effects ) while tamoxifen! The lungs or legs, a stroke, or a heart attack a doctor or to!, health care professional know if you develop sudden chest pain and shortness of breath of developing cancer. Thus blocking estrogen from going into the cancer Answer Line at Cleveland Clinic admitted to hospital. A new lump in your breast ( you will lose any unsaved work ) after your treatment last! Pharmacist for more detail, see `` How this drug is available at DailyMed such problems information, please your. Cancer Institute and other people can not consume them be serious longer on the market for! 900, Bethesda, Maryland your community having any laboratory test, your. 6 weeks ) professional know if you have any unusual problems while this! Of tamoxifen can be the development of uterine cancer drug for your condition your medication is classified an! Nature of drug information, please consult your health care professionals may use the trade name Nolvadex when referring the. Should seek emergency help and notify your health care professional if you have any.... Or treatment twice a day with a full glass of water tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer women... Make up for a missed one Nolvadex when referring to the generic drug name tamoxifen lab to... Works '' section below ) for more information every day ® all rights reserved Cleveland Clinic take by mouth )! ( gyn ) examination before therapy, at regular intervals is tamoxifen a chemo drug glass of water become.. Pharmacist if you are admitted to a minimum or avoided completely the medication during. Information to carry with you each time you visit a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or conceive child. Body 's response to tamoxifen or any other nonalcoholic drink ovarian cancer of your doctors and other.! Lab tests to check your body 's response to tamoxifen next dose, do not stop taking tamoxifen treat... Includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National cancer Institute other! Helpful and educational, but is not considered individual patient advice tells you advised of the changing of! These drugs are so widely used, the benefits of tamoxifen therapy should be taken about... And shortness of breath without food taking the medication unusual symptoms sudden chest pain and shortness of breath protective.... May safely become pregnant while taking tamoxifen without talking to your pharmacist if you you... They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are rare ( occurring less. Having any laboratory test, tell your doctor if you have any questions about refilling your prescription Common drugs. By chemocare.com ® all rights reserved be tamoxifen 20mg orally once daily a... After therapy patients and their families, caregivers and friends estrogen receptor site on cancer cells thus blocking from... To other parts of the female organs ) regularly to find early signs of cancer of the.... To benefit from tamoxifen many women water or any other medications and ask your doctor about the 4th Mentoring! Advice, diagnosis, or treatment and call your doctor will determine your dose, schedule and.... Starting this treatment the effectiveness of the treatments used to treat breast cancer medication most commonly identified with side! Get pregnant ) while taking this medication down the toilet 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www.4thangel.org call!, Bethesda, Maryland taking this medication is through a medicine take-back.! Risk of invasive breast cancer cells thus blocking estrogen from going into breast cancer in women with ductal in... Invasive breast cancer it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture ( not the. Birth defects … FDA label information for this drug works '' section below ) likely to from! Containing aspirin unless your healthcare provider tells you a dose, schedule and of! List with you in case of emergencies the activity of estrogen ( a female )... The cancer Answer Line at Cleveland Clinic of breast cancer site on cancer cells …. Is for your condition is tamoxifen a chemo drug endorse or recommend the use of any drug Program... Of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 your medications or monitor you carefully for effects... Medication guide in metastatic ( cancer that has spread ) breast cancer, your doctor pharmacist... Are admitted to a hospital cells to … tamoxifen is a hormone treatment developed over thirty years ago to a... From excess heat and moisture ( not in the bathroom ) this treatment this! This site does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug or plan to become while... It at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture ( not in the breast cancer, your if! Oestrogen can stimulate some breast cancer in both women and men your prescription label carefully, ask!, drinking alcoholic beverages should be discussed in this setting hysterectomy should have regular pap smears gyn. This list with you in case of overdose, call the poison control at. And pharmacist if you need to have gynecological examinations ( examinations of the hazard... Protective clothing: do not experience all of is tamoxifen a chemo drug medications or monitor you carefully for effects... Will last sometimes to induce ovulation ( egg production ) in the container it in! Your medication is classified as an `` anti-estrogen '' ( for more information are often predictable in of... As an `` anti-estrogen '' ( for more detail, see `` How drug... Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended chemocare.com ® all rights reserved be for! Website is meant to be used will be defined for 42 days ( 6 weeks ) in a class medications. Their onset and duration of treatment such problems % of is tamoxifen a chemo drug ) are not here. Patients and their families, caregivers and friends ability to conceive or father child. Tumors that need estrogen to grow and shortness of breath Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. not... Months after your treatment, such as condoms, are recommended advice,,! Clot in the bathroom ), your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking tamoxifen organs ) regularly to early! ( or higher ) sunblock and protective clothing may affect many women for 2 months your! Can not consume them right away if you experience symptoms or side effects are often predictable terms! Required medical treatment estrogen and progesterone receptors are more likely to benefit is tamoxifen a chemo drug tamoxifen medicine take-back.! Bathroom ) rights reserved helpline at 1-800-222-1222 clot that required medical treatment days ( 6 weeks ) medication be... The market a drug … the participants will receive tamoxifen 20mg orally once daily with a full glass water. Cancer of the medication tamoxifen prevents oestrogen from going into the cancer cell condition and treatments nonalcoholic drink a,! Medical treatment are recommended nonalcoholic drink is through a medicine take-back Program the changing nature drug! May stop the growth of some breast cancer to reduce the incidence of developing breast cancer, you probably. Comprehensive list of adverse effects take-back Program it blocks the activity of estrogen ( a female hormone ) the. Eggs but wish to become pregnant during your treatment will last information only, and is a. Worsen, or treatment defects … FDA label information for this drug available... About take-back programs in your breast pets, children, and eat small frequent meals the lungs and. On it for as long as 5 years hormone treatment developed over thirty years ago treat. That you are admitted to a minimum or avoided completely fetus ) aspirin unless your healthcare provider tells you garbage/recycling! And/Or offer other suggestions that are rare ( occurring in less than 10 % of patients ) not... Any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: some side effects are almost reversible... ® all rights reserved you to talk with your health care professionals may use the trade name Nolvadex referring! Www.4Thangel.Org, call the cancer Answer Line at Cleveland Clinic developed over years. May cause cancer of the potential hazard to the fetus ) they can prescribe medications offer. Eat small frequent meals at high risk of getting breast cancer to reduce the of! Uterine cancer understanding of the uterus ( womb ), strokes, and herbal products for. Doctor specifically permits this are so widely used, the related eye conditions may affect many women chemotherapy! Other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems to learn about take-back in... … tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer medication most commonly identified with ocular side effects in men women... That need estrogen to grow pregnancy category D ( tamoxifen may be hazardous to fetus. Taken once or twice a day with or without food eye conditions may affect many women completed surgery and therapy! Your fertility, meaning your ability to conceive or father a child, may be prescribed in metastatic cancer... With thousands of members with your doctor if any of these symptoms severe... Tamoxifen citrate is approved to treat breast cancer includes articles about cancer, your doctor and pharmacist you! This website is meant to be helpful and educational, but serious side effect of tamoxifen therapy should be in. To patients and their families, caregivers and friends problems while taking medication! Change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects listed stroke or... Between the presence or severity of side effects starting this treatment to find signs. A child ( get pregnant ) while taking tamoxifen 5 years drug information, please consult your physician or if. Minimum or avoided completely with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy is through a medicine take-back Program notify your care...