Tamoxifen

The most common side effects caused by tamoxifen are hot flashes; vaginal dryness, discharge, or irritation; and decreased interest in sex. These side effects are not usually serious, but they can be bothersome.

Other side effects are rare but are more dangerous. These include:

• Overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (Reference endometrial hyperplasia Opens New Window) and cancer of the lining of the uterus (Reference endometrial cancer Opens New Window).
• An increased risk of blood clots in the legs (Reference deep vein thrombosis Opens New Window) and the lungs (Reference pulmonary embolism Opens New Window). Changes in the blood's ability to clot have been reported in patients receiving tamoxifen.
• A small increased chance of Reference stroke Opens New Window.
• Ovarian cysts.
• An increased risk of Reference cataract Opens New Window formation and the need for surgery for cataracts.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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