Drug Interaction Report

Using thalidomide together with tamoxifen may increase the risk of dangerous blood clots. The risk is higher if you are using thalidomide with dexamethasone or other chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma than if you are using thalidomide alone for some other condition. Also, the risk is increased with age, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Blood clots can lead to complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery in the lung), and stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience potential signs and symptoms of blood clots such as chest pain; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; coughing up blood; sudden loss of vision; pain, redness or swelling in an arm or leg; and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before using tamoxifen with soy products. There is some evidence that substances present in soy may stimulate breast tumor growth and interfere with the action of tamoxifen, although this has not been proven. Whether soy products are effective for hot flashes is also uncertain. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of thalidomide such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with thalidomide. Do not use more than the recommended dose of thalidomide, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.