Tamoxifen Hexal Side Effects

Generic name: tamoxifen

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 25, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tamoxifen Hexal Side Effects associated with tamoxifen. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Tamoxifen Hexal.

Applies to tamoxifen: oral solution, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (solution)

Serious, life-threatening, and fatal events from use of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

Discuss risks and benefits of tamoxifen with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) when considering tamoxifen use to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

For most patients already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks.

Oral route (tablet)

Serious and life-threatening uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism have been associated with tamoxifen use in the risk reduction setting (women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and women at high risk for breast cancer).

Some of these adverse events were fatal.

Health care providers should discuss the potential benefits versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk of breast cancer and women with DCIS considering tamoxifen to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

The benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer.

Serious side effects of Tamoxifen Hexal

Along with its needed effects, tamoxifen (the active ingredient contained in Tamoxifen Hexal) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tamoxifen:

More common

• absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
• bladder pain
• blindness
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• chills
• confusion
• cough
• decrease in the amount of urine
• decrease in height
• decreased vision
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
• hoarseness
• increased clear or white vaginal discharge
• lower back or side pain
• noisy, rattling breathing
• pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• rapid weight gain
• rapid, shallow breathing
• stopping of menstrual bleeding
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• troubled breathing at rest
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

• abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating
• blurred vision
• breast pain, redness, or swelling
• chest pain
• clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
• cough producing mucus
• dimpling of the breast skin
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck headache
• inverted nipple
• joint pain or stiffness
• large amount of cholesterol in the blood
• lump in the breast or under the arm
• nervousness
• persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• skin rash or itching over the entire body
• slow heartbeat
• sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
• stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness

Rare

• anxiety
• bluish color of the skin
• tenderness

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• constipation
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• indigestion
• muscle pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• thickening of bronchial secretions
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Tamoxifen Hexal

Some side effects of tamoxifen may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• back pain
• belching
• body aches or pain
• bone pain
• congestion
• depression
• difficulty in moving
• dryness of the throat
• hair loss or thinning of hair
• heartburn
• joint swelling
• lack or loss of strength
• mood changes
• muscle cramps or stiffness
• passing of gas
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• runny nose
• shivering
• skin changes
• stomach upset, fullness, or pain
• sudden sweating
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble in swallowing
• trouble sleeping
• voice changes

Less common

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• itching of the vagina or genital area
• pain during sexual intercourse

Incidence not known

• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tamoxifen: compounding powder, oral solution, oral tablet.

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Amenorrhea (16%), altered menses (13%), vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge
• Common (1% to 10%): Oligomenorrhea, menstrual disorder, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pruritus vulvae, endometrial changes (including hyperplasia and polyps)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial cancer
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Suppression of menstruation in premenopausal women, endometriosis, cystic ovarian swelling, vaginal polyps, uterine sarcoma (mostly malignant mixed Mullerian tumors), tumor flare^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Bone pain, myalgia, leg cramps^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia (in patients with bone metastases) on initiation of therapy^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Changes in liver enzymes, fatty liver
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cirrhosis of the liver
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, hepatocellular injury, hepatic necrosis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Neutropenia, agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cataracts, retinopathy
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbances
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Corneal changes, optic neuropathy^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Thromboembolic events (including deep vein thrombosis and microvascular thrombosis); risks are increased when used in combination with cytotoxic agents^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, thromboembolic events (including pulmonary embolism); risk is increased when used in combination with cytotoxic agents
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial pneumonitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Skin rash
• Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cutaneous lupus erythematosus^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Ischemic cerebrovascular events, headache, sensory disturbances (including paresthesia and dysgeusia), light-headedness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, anorexia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How do you relieve joint pain associated with tamoxifen or Aromasin?
• Is it common to lose hair AFTER stopping tamoxifen?

Further information

Tamoxifen Hexal side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer