Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Tamoxifen as follows:
- 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. So, tamoxifen could be avoided in individuals with history of uterine cancer.
- Tamoxifen use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, tamoxifen use should be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant. Women in active reproductive age group, taking tamoxifen on a regular basis must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant. Also, tamoxifen can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory mucus membranes on inhalation. So, pregnant women and sexually active women planning to get pregnant should avoid getting in contact with tamoxifen, as this medication could harm the fetus.
- Tamoxifen intake can result in increased risk for elevated blood pressure. Taking tamoxifen along with medications like ergotamine, that also stand a chance of increasing the blood pressure can result in complementation of their individual actions on blood pressure and lead to dangerously elevated blood pressure numbers. Acutely elevated blood pressure in these individuals can significantly increase the risk for development of stroke. So, tamoxifen can be avoided taken along with any medications that stand a chance of increasing the blood pressure.
