Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Tamoxifen as follows:
- Tamoxifen is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of tamoxifen can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication and metabolites for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. Also, tamoxifen intake can result in hepatitis, fatty changes in the liver, and compromised liver function. Individuals can present with enlarged liver, pain in the right upper quadrant of abdomen, diminished appetite & intake, compromised metabolism, weight loss, fatigue, ascites (fluid accumulation in abdomen), and jaundice with yellowing of white in the eyes. Notify your physician regarding any of these findings, for an appropriate change in your plan of care.
- Tamoxifen can take some time to fairly adjust to the body and show the beneficial effects of streamlining the cycles, controlling the progression of osteoporosis and tumor growth. So, do not discontinue taking tamoxifen without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the beneficial effects immediately after taking the medication. Discontinuing on the medication intake will only be on your physician’s recommendation.
- 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. Notify your physician regarding any abnormal vagina bleeding or history of endometrial cancer, if any, to be evaluated for your safety with tamoxifen intake.
