Tamoxifen Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• There may be a higher risk of endometrial or uterine cancer.

• If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

• High blood pressure.

• Mood changes.

• Weight loss.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Sore throat.

• Uterine cancer can rarely occur.

• Stroke and blood clots can rarely occur.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling.

• Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.