Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Tamoxifen as follows:
- In sexually active women of childbearing age group, therapy with tamoxifen should be initiated during menstruation. If tamoxifen therapy were to continue, sexually active women should avoid getting pregnant, atleast for two months, after the therapy with tamoxifen ends and must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant. Tamoxifen compromises the therapeutic effects of hormonal contraceptives, such as, birth control pills and implants and so, can result in failed contraception. Sexually active couple using tamoxifen must employ physical and nonhormonal birth control measures, such as, condom, diaphragm, and spermicide for effective contraception.
- Tamoxifen can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Tamoxifen intake can lead to induction of liver enzymes, which results in speeding up the metabolism, early inactivation, and removal from the body, of many drugs metabolized in the liver. This can compromise the therapeutic benefit of many drugs and consequently, might need a dose revision. If you are being newly started on tamoxifen, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with tamoxifen. Also, if you have been taking tamoxifen for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of tamoxifen intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- In women with reproductive cycle irregularities, tamoxifen use can help stimulate release of sex hormones, streamline the reproductive cycles, and contribute to ovulation. Women with menstrual irregularities must have a negative pregnancy test confirmed prior to beginning therapy with tamoxifen.
