Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Tamoxifen as follows:
Sexual side-effects
- Tamoxifen can mimic estrogen hormone with regards to action on estrogen receptors in the uterus and helps with proliferation of endometrium, the inner lining of uterus.
- Women in menopausal age group, secondary to tamoxifen use and proliferation of the endometrium, can present with vaginal bleeding and stand an increased risk to develop endometrial cancer.
- Women in reproductive age group, secondary to tamoxifen use, can present with menstrual irregularities, such as, abnormally increased volume of bleeding and unpredictable breakthrough bleeding.
- Occasionally, tamoxifen use can result in perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and individuals can present with vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, and depression.
- Tamoxifen intake by individuals in active reproductive age group carries the risk of reducing sexual interest and performance.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Tamoxifen can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Compliance with intake of the medication over time can result in overcoming this side-effect due to the medication. If the dizziness is unresolved and becomes further bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to this side effect caused by tamoxifen.
