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Toremifene Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2024.

Applies to toremifene: oral tablet.

Warning

Oral route (Tablet)

Toremifene prolongs the QTc interval in a dose- and concentration-related manner and may cause a type of ventricular tachycardia called Torsade de pointes. This could result in syncope, seizures, and/or death. Toremifene should not be prescribed to patients with congenital/acquired QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia, or uncorrected hypomagnesemia. Drugs known to prolong the QT interval and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.

Serious side effects of Toremifene

Along with its needed effects, toremifene 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 toremifene:

Less common

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Toremifene

Some side effects of toremifene 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

Less common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to toremifene: oral tablet.

General

Adverse drug reactions are primarily due to the anti-estrogenic actions of this drug and typically occur at the beginning of treatment.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hot flashes/flushes (35%)

Common (1% to 10%): Myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, cardiac failure, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angina pectoris

Frequency not reported: QT/QTc interval prolongation[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Sweating (20%)

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus/itching

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin discoloration

Rare (less than 0.1%): Dermatitis, alopecia[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): Elevated AST (19%), elevated alkaline phosphatase (19%)

Common (1% to 10%): Elevated bilirubin

Rare (less than 0.1%): Jaundice

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation[Ref]

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Vaginal discharge/leukorrhea (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vaginal/uterine bleeding

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial hypertrophy

Rare (less than 0.1%): Endometrial polyps

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Endometrial hyperplasia[Ref]

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Cataracts (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dry eyes, abnormal visual fields, corneal keratopathy, glaucoma, abnormal vision/diplopia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Reversible corneal opacity (corneal verticillata/verticulata)[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hypercalcemia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, increased weight, appetite loss[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresis, tremor, vertigo, headache

Rare (less than 0.1%): Stiffness

Frequency not reported: Rigors[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Edema, pain, fatigue

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia, chest pain[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Depression

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Emotional lability[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary embolism

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Back pain[Ref]

Hematologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

Frequency not reported: Anemia[Ref]

Oncologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Endometrial cancer

Frequency not reported: Tumor flare[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Fareston (toremifene). Schering Corporation. 2001;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

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.