Tamoxifen

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Tamoxifen. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Tamoxifen with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Tamoxifen. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bone pain
• changes in menstrual period
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• genital itching
• hair loss (partial) or hair thinning
• headache
• hot flashes
• leg cramps
• lightheadedness
• mild nausea and vomiting
• muscle pain
• skin rash
• swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower leg
• taste alterations
• tiredness and weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision or vision changes
• cough and shortness of breath
• increased pain or growth of tumour
• numbness or tingling of the skin
• pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• severe nausea or vomiting
• signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas (e.g., severe upper right abdominal pain)
• symptoms of low white blood cells (infection; Fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• vaginal growths, bleeding or discharge

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin or mucous membranes
• Hives
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
• symptoms of a blood clot in the leg (e.g., pain, swelling or redness of the calf or leg)
• symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs (e.g., chest pain and shortness of breath)
• symptoms of a Stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness of the arms or legs, sudden difficulty speaking, sudden dizziness, sudden severe headache)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Tamoxifen.