For women suffering from or at risk for developing breast cancer, tamoxifen provides the benefit of reducing estrogen's effect upon the body, killing or preventing the growth of cancerous cells. In addition to its benefits, tamoxifen also poses some risks, some of which could be life-threatening.

Features

The most common side effects of tamoxifen occur in approximately 25 to 64 percent of women, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Though unpleasant, these side effects pose little or no risk for long-term health complications.

Types of Common Side Effects

Hot flashes similar to those experienced during menopause are the most common side effects of tamoxifen, followed by an increase in vaginal discharge, which may be clear or brown in color. Tamoxifen also frequently causes irregular periods or the complete absence of menstruation in pre-menopausal women, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Drug Interactions

When taken with the blood thinner wafarin, tamoxifen may cause severe, uncontrollable bleeding following an illness or injury, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The Parkinson's disease drug bromocriptine increases your risk of developing side effects from tamoxifen.

Risks

Tamoxifen has the potential to cause blood clots, pulmonary embolism and stroke, and in 87 percent of the cases, the women affected by these reactions were over the age of 50, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Other rare, but possible risks associated with tamoxifen include the formation of cataracts and the onset of uterine cancer.

Considerations

Tamoxifen is generally not considered safe for use in women who are pregnant or have a history of high cholesterol, cataracts, blood clots, embolisms, stroke or uterine cancer, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Tamoxifen (Oral Route)

U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed: Tamoxifen Citrate (Tamoxifen Citrate) Tablet

American Cancer Society: Medicines to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer