What Are The Side Effects Of Tamoxifen?

Posted on Tue, 20 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 66, and BRCA 2 positive. I was told to take Tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention. I was told by my MD that there are no side effects and that this would also help with bone density. What do you think? I am very healthy so far. I have had ovary removal also as prevention. I am worried about side effects and do not like taking medications unless very necessary... Thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it may be of benefit

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Ovary removal offers lot of protection against breast cancer in brca positive patients. But it is not 100%. Additional tamoxifen probably reduces the risk further. 'Probably' because studies of high quality are lacking. But few studies have shown benefit.

It also promotes bone health. Only downside of long-term use is endometrial hyperplasia and 1% risk of endometrial cancer. If your uterus has been removed then this doesn't apply.

Hope this helps.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar