Tamoxifen
Hormone therapy pill · Used for: Breast cancer
💊 Taken by mouth · Hormone therapy pill
Cliff notes
What it is: Hormone therapy pill.
How it's given: A pill by mouth once a day, often for 5 to 10 years.
How it works: Many breast cancers use the hormone estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen from attaching to breast cancer cells. It's used in women and men with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Common side effects and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Hot flashes | Dress in layers, keep cool, and ask your team about options. |
| Vaginal discharge or dryness | Water-based moisturizers can help. |
| Irregular periods | Tell your team about changes. |
| Mood changes | Talk to your team and lean on support. |
| Tiredness | Gentle exercise helps. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- Pain, swelling or warmth in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (possible blood clot)
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, or pelvic pain or pressure (possible uterine problems)
- Signs of stroke: sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion or vision loss (call 911)
- Vision changes
- Vision changes, including cloudy vision (tamoxifen can raise the risk of cataracts)
- Bone pain or tumor pain that suddenly gets worse soon after starting, or signs of high calcium (nausea, confusion, extreme thirst) if cancer has spread to bone
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ Each day on treatment
- Take it exactly as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Don't crush or split pills unless your team says it's OK.
- If you miss a dose, follow the label instructions or call your pharmacist.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Hot flashes | ☐ | |
| Vaginal discharge or dryness | ☐ | |
| Irregular periods | ☐ | |
| Mood changes | ☐ | |
| Tiredness | ☐ |
Help paying for Tamoxifen
Generic chemo has no single manufacturer program, so the copay foundations below are your best bet.
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Pills you take at home are usually covered by Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Part B covers some cancer drugs taken by mouth if the same drug comes in an injectable form. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support groups
- Susan G. Komen: Breast care helpline, treatment assistance and education
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Helpline, peer support and programs for metastatic breast cancer
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Common questions
What are tamoxifen side effects in women?
Hot flashes, vaginal discharge and irregular periods are among the most common. Serious but less common risks include blood clots, stroke and cancer of the uterus.
Can men take tamoxifen?
Yes. Tamoxifen is used for breast cancer in men. Men may have hot flashes, lower sex drive or erection problems.
What is the brand name of tamoxifen?
It was sold as Nolvadex and Soltamox (a liquid). Most people today take generic tamoxifen.
How long do I take tamoxifen?
Often 5 to 10 years. Your oncologist decides based on your situation. Don't stop on your own.
📄 The official FDA label for Tamoxifen, including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write