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The Curious Bag
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Tamoxifen is a drug commonly prescribed for breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the drug interferes with the activity of the female hormone estrogen. Doctors have been using it in breast cancer treatment for both men and women since the early 1980s.
Types of Breast Cancer
A report on Medline Plus says doctors use tamoxifen to treat breast cancer that has spread to other body parts. Doctors also use it to treat early-stage breast cancer after surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
Reducing the Risk
Tamoxifen can also be used to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer or developing a more serious type of breast cancer.
Length of Treatment
The length of treatment with tamoxifen varies according to how well the cancer responds to the drug, although most patients with early-stage breast cancer take the drug for five years to reduce the risk of the breast cancer returning.
Common Side Effects
The National Cancer Institute says common side effects of tamoxifen include hot flashes, vaginal discharge and irregular periods. Some patients may also experience headaches, fatigue or vomiting.
Warnings
According to Medline Plus, tamoxifen may cause uterine cancer or blood clots in the lungs, both of which can be fatal.
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