Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)

Tamoxifen - selective oestrogen receptor modulator

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Importance: 8

which acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist. It is used in the management of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Adverse effects

• menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding, amenorrhoea
• hot flushes
  Tamoxifen may cause hot flushes
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  Importance: 52
  - 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects
• venous thromboembolism
  Tamoxifen therapy increases the risk of venous thromboembolism
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  Importance: 23
• endometrial cancer
  Tamoxifen may cause increased risk of endometrial cancer
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  Importance: 43

Tamoxifen is typically used for 5 years following removal of the tumour.

Raloxifene is a pure oestrogen receptor antagonist, and carries a lower risk of endometrial cancer

+PassMedicine Notes

Tamoxifen is a Selective oEstrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) which acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist. It is used in the management of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer

Adverse effects

• menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding, amenorrhoea
• hot flushes - 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects
• venous thromboembolism
• endometrial cancer

Tamoxifen is typically used for 5 years following removal of the tumour.

Raloxifene is a pure oestrogen receptor antagonist, and carries a lower risk of endometrial cancer