Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer Treatment, Prevention
In this article
- How does tamoxifen work?
- Why do doctors prescribe tamoxifen?
- How does tamoxifen prevent breast cancer?
- What are the side effects of tamoxifen?
What are the side effects of tamoxifen?
When a woman takes tamoxifen to treat breast cancer, most doctors agree that the benefits of the drug are much greater than the possible risks of taking it. Some experts believe that women who take it to prevent the disease should think carefully about the pros and the cons, like the cost of the drug and its side effects, which can be serious.
Side effects of tamoxifen include:
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Heart disease
- Uterine cancer
- Cataracts
Milder side effects include symptoms that are similar to menopause, such as:
Tamoxifen may also cause irregular periods and sexual problems.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or you’re at high risk for the disease, talk with your doctor to see if tamoxifen is right for you. Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks of this drug to make sure you get the healthiest result.