Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Tamoxifen as follows:
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Tamoxifen can induce some dizziness and makes one drowsy. Compliance with intake of the medication over time can result in overcoming this side-effect due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes 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 the side effects caused by tamoxifen.
- 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. 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.
