Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Tamoxifen as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Tamoxifen use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of tamoxifen with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Tamoxifen intake can result in inflammatory and 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.
- Tamoxifen intake can also result in constipation and compromised appetite levels. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake & laxative/stool softener recommendations can help with relief from constipation.
Skeletal side-effects
- Action of estrogen on the estrogen receptors in the bone help with maintaining the bone mass and preventing development of osteoporosis in women. Tamoxifen can mimic estrogen hormone with regards to action on estrogen receptors in the bone and helps with maintaining the bone mass and prevent demineralization of bone.
- Preventing demineralization of bone with use of tamoxifen can slow osteoporotic changes in postmenopausal women and prevent weakening of skeletal framework & development of pathological fractures.
