What are the risk factors for taking tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer and has been prescribed to both male and female patients. In rare cases, doctors will prescribe the medication to patients who are at high risk for breast cancer. But, like with all medications, there are risk factors associated with taking tamoxifen. Patients should be aware of these risks before staring a medication regimen, since the drug may react with other medications and conditions in the body and cause additional health problems.

Blood Clots

According to clinical trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute, women who take tamoxifen along with other cancer treatment drugs like chemotherapy have a slightly greater risk of developing blood clots. People with blood clots are also more susceptible to strokes, since the clots prevent the efficient flow of blood to the heart, so patients who take tamoxifen may also be increasing their chances of having strokes in the future.

Uterine Cancer

Tamoxifen increases the risks of developing two types of uterine cancer---endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer develops in the uterus lining, and uterine sarcoma occurs on the uterine muscle. Early detection of uterine cancer can make treatment much more effective. Such cancers can be detected through annual pap smears or an endometrial biopsy before starting tamoxifen treatment.

Eye Problems

Having too much estrogen in the body can affect vision, and patients with breast cancer have an excess of the hormone in their bodies. Tamoxifen causes estrogen levels to fluctuate, and the National Cancer Institute has reported that some breast cancer patients have experienced corneal scarring and cataracts development as a result of taking tamoxifen.

Menopausal Symptoms

Although tamoxifen doesn't bring on menopause, the medication can cause symptoms associated with menopause, such as night sweats, mood swings, spotting in between periods and weight gain. For most women, their ovaries will still function normally during breast cancer treatment unless they are already near the age of menopause.

Determining the Risks

Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with taking tamoxifen, since the medication is sometimes given to women who have a family history of breast cancer or have health problems that increase the risk of breast cancer development. Tamoxifen should only be taken in the dosages prescribed by a doctor.

Source:

National Cancer Institute: Tamoxifen Questions and Answers

Cleveland Clinic: Tamoxifen and Breast Cancer

More Information:

Science Daily: Tamoxifen Found To Increase Risk Of Endometrial Cancer