Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Tamoxifen. It helps treat certain types of breast cancer. It can also be used to lower the chance of breast cancer in women who are at a high risk of getting it. Tamoxifen may have other uses, too.

This medicine is often taken once or twice each day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is important not to miss any doses. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole, and do not crush or chew it. You can take your dose with or without food.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects in women include hot flashes and white or clear vaginal discharge.  Men might notice a change in sex drive or function. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With tamoxifen, these include blood clots, strokes and a higher risk of certain types of cancer. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and may order blood tests. If you take tamoxifen to reduce your risk of breast cancer, you should read the medication guide for important information about other possible side effects.  

Tamoxifen can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, especially blood thinners.

Tamoxifen can harm unborn babies. Women should not breastfeed or become pregnant when taking tamoxifen. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control methods to use and for how long.

For best results with tamoxifen, make sure to plan regular checkups with your doctor.