Chemotherapy Education

Tamoxifen
( Nolvadex )

• Daily oral medication that blocks estrogen.
• Taken as long-term therapy for breast cancer or to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women.
• Usually well tolerated.
• Some of the side effects may include:

1. Menopausal symptoms
   • includes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, depression, and insomnia.
   • These might lessen or disappear after a tolerance for the drug is developed.
2. Weight gain
3. Mild nausea
4. Vaginal discharge or itching.
5. Changes in menstrual cycle
   • Not advisable to conceive children while on this drug
   • mechanical birth control recommended.
6. Risk for blood clots in arms, legs, lungs, and brain (stroke) can increase.
7. Endometrial cancer risk increases. Let your doctor know if you have vaginal bleeding.
8. Rare increased risk of cataracts (loss of transparency to the lens of the eye) can occur.

• Another possible benefit of Tamoxifen is protection from osteoporosis (loss of bone density).

Front Range Cancer Specialists
"Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion"

Our Chemotherapy Clinic is located:
2315 East Harmony Road
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone 970 212 7600