Tamoxifen is also sold under the brand name: Nolvadex. It is a medicine that is very effective in preventing the recurrence of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. But it does have side effects. I am being treated with Tamoxifen now and some of the side effects cause me issues.
The most serious side-effects of Tamoxifen are blood clots and uterine cancer. Patients who take a commonly prescribed breast cancer drug, Tamoxifen are at an increased risk 
of developing blood clots. Researchers have discovered that this risk is much greater than without treatment with the drug. The other most serious risk from Tamoxifen is that of developing endometrial cancer. It is about 1 in 500 — a small risk, but higher than that for women in the general population. Tamoxifen also slightly increases the risk of uterine sarcoma, a cancer that begins in the muscle of the uterine wall. Any abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloody vaginal discharge, staining, or spotting should be investigated. Postmenopausal women taking Tamoxifen should be closely monitored for symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
The main side effects of Tamoxifen that I have encountered are, happily, not life-threatening, but are very unpleasant.
The first I noticed was muscle cramps. These are sudden, severe and debilitating. My cramps often affect my legs and feet, but many people complain of cramps in the muscles of their backs too.
I am also self-conscious of my hair thinning. It has become quite noticable right on the top of my head. I occasionally wear a wig. It disguises my thinning hair and keeps my head warmer!
The third side-effect that causes me problems is that of weight gain. I have not gained a great deal of weight, but neither am I very tall, so any increase in my weight is problematic for me.
Another side-effect that causes me pain and discomfort is joint pain. Often in my knees, this restricts my walking, but also in my fingers and wrists. This curtails my writing and blogging, sometimes.
Last but not least, the side-effect of low mood from Tamoxifen causes problems for me. I suffer from severe clinical depression anyway, but those issues are increased by Tamoxifen and its side-effects.
Still, if taking Tamoxifen keeps the breast cancer at bay, I will continue taking the tablets.
Val Penny
I have had breast cancer. After the surgery, the chemotherapy and the radiotherapy, I have spent the last 5 years being treated by the drug letrozole to avoid recurrence of the disease. Last month, I had my annual check-up and mammogram and was found to be 5 years cancer free. Result! However, my tumour was HER2+ and therefore my oncologist has advised another 5 years of endocrine teatment with Tamoxifen.
the symptoms of the menopause. They include hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbance. Other common side effects are vaginal irritation, loss of sex drive and mood changes. Women who have regular periods are likely to find the flow may be lighter, irregular or stop altogether. However, vaginal discharge is common while taking Tamoxifen and so you should be aware of the possibility of infection,.
There are other side effects of Tamoxifen that are less common. The drug increase the risk of getting blood clots including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can be very serious as people with DVT are at risk of developing a pulomary embolism. Therefore people taking Tamoxifen need to be aware of blood clots and ways of helping to reduce this. Lengthy periods of inactivity can increase the risk of developing bood clots. Those who take long flights, car journeys or train trips need to be aware of the this.
A change in hair may also occur. A small number of women may find they notice an increase in downy facial hair and changes to their singing voice. Others find they suffer hair loss or thinning while taking tamoxifen. I suffered hair loss while taking Letrozole, so will be particularly alert for this side effect.
headaches and leg cramps at nght. Some women also suffer weight increase.
diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. 5 years clear: wonderful. However, that does not mean I am treatment free. I have been taking Letrozole for these first five years. The side effects of that drug are many and various. I think I suffered all of them, except high blood pressure! Anyway, the oncologist says it is time to move on from Letrozole to Tamoxifen.
In some instances, Tamoxifen may be an option for some people who have a high risk of developing breast cancer because of family history of the disease. This is in order to reduce the risk of development of breast cancer.
Surviving Breast Cancer Now! 
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