Dangerous Drugs - Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is the generic name for a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat breast cancer. Also sold under brand names Istubal, Valodex and Nolvadex, tamoxifen is the largest-selling drug for breast cancer worldwide. Tamoxifen is used to treat both early and advanced breast cancer, and having shown a risk decrease of 44%, it is also FDA-approved for breast cancer prevention in high risk women.
Tamoxifen works by slowing down estrogen in the breast cells, where the cancer is growing. In the rest of the body, the drug actually has estrogen-like effects, which means that tamoxifen's side effects can be similar to menopause symptoms. These include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, irregular menstruation, headaches, fatigue and irritation. In men, tamoxifan can cause headaches, nausea, skin rash, and impotence.
However, tamoxifen's more serious side effects relate the drug to higher risks of two types of uterine cancer. Women on tamoxifen have twice the chance of developing endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus. Tamoxifen also increases the risk of uterine sarcoma, which affects the muscular wall of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is particularly dangerous because it is not usually identified until its later stages.
Tamoxifen was also found to increase the likelihood of a patient to develop blood clots, storke, liver disfunction, cataracts and other eye problems. In pregnant women, tamoxifen is likely to cause harm to the fetus.
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