Tamoxifen Risks

In most cases,
 tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex®) is a safe and effective medication. However, there are several warnings to be aware of before starting treatment. For example, this medication can cause serious problems in some people, including blood clots and strokes.
 
Also, tamoxifen can cause side effects, such as:
 
This medication can also increase your risk for several other complications, such as liver problems, eye problems, and uterine cancer. Because the risks of using tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer may outweigh any possible benefits for some women, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any issues that may apply to you.
 
(To learn more about the risks involved with taking this drug, click Tamoxifen Side Effects and Precautions and Warnings With Tamoxifen. These articles talk about the problems that were reported in clinical trials and give more in-depth information on what to discuss with your healthcare provider.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD