What are the side effects of tamoxifen?

Side effects and Risks of tamoxifen

Tamoxifen acts like an anti-estrogen in some tissues and acts like estrogen in other tissues.

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Cancer of the uterus (most were endometrial cancer, a few were uterine sarcoma).  The risk is not present in those patients who have had  a hysterectomy.
  • Blood clots (DVT, PE, and stroke)

Tamoxifen is contraindicated in patients who continue to smoke due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease.