Tamoxifen - Tamoxifen Side Effects
Tamoxifen is used to treat, and sometimes to prevent, breast cancer -- but there are some important Tamoxifen side effects women should know about. None of these side effects are more dangerous to a woman than having breast cancer, but it's still a good idea to be aware of possible Tamoxifen side effects, or even Tamoxifen weight gain concerns; before taking the drug.
First, and most significantly, one of the Tamoxifen side effects is that it can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken by a pregnant woman. Another important point is that Tamoxifen can be dangerous in women with liver disease, high triglycerides, or a history of stroke, blood clots, or cataracts.
Serious side effects of Tamoxifen include the following -- if you experience any of these, immediately seek medical attention.
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden vision problems, headache, confusion, or speech or balance problems
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood
- Swelling or pain in one (or both) legs
- Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding, or irregular periods
- Feelings of pressure or pain in the pelvic region
- Flu symptoms such as body aches, fever, and chills
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- New lumps found in the breast
- Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fever
- Jaundice
Another side effect that may distress some women is Tamoxifen weight gain. Gaining weight is a relatively common side effect -- but it's not a dangerous one. And remember that if you have cancer, it's far better to gain weight than to be malnourished, as a well-nourished body has a much better chance of beating the cancer.