home > drugs a-z list > nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) drug center > nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Hot flashes, nausea, leg cramps, hair thinning, or headache may occur. A loss of sexual ability/interest may occur in men. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), eye pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of ankles/feet, unusual tiredness.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking tamoxifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have cancer limited to the milk ducts, or if you are taking this medication to prevent breast cancer, then this medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a history of blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke), conditions that require treatment with a "blood thinner" (such as warfarin).

If you have breast cancer and a history of blood clots/stroke, you may or may not be able to take tamoxifen. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high cholesterol/triglycerides, limited or no ability to walk (immobility), diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, cataracts, liver disease.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. Women of childbearing age should start tamoxifen during their periods or get a negative pregnancy test before starting the medication.

It is recommended that men and women using this medication use two effective non-hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and diaphragms with spermicide) while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.