In one trial, depression was reported by about 1 percent of the postmenopausal women using tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy. No other trials have reported this side effect. Researchers are still investigating the effects of long-term treatment with tamoxifen. However, the National Cancer Institute emphasizes that the benefits of tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer are firmly established and far outweigh the potential risk of other health problems. Women concerned about the risks and benefits of drugs they are taking are encouraged to discuss these concerns with their doctor.
Doctors prescribe medications to help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
They also monitor patients for any signs of health problems and may adjust the dose or schedule of treatment if problems arise. In addition, doctors advise women who have a lowered resistance to infection because of low blood cell counts to avoid crowds and people who have colds. Most short-term side effects of hormone therapy do not require medical attention. Doctors carefully monitor women taking tamoxifen for any signs of long-term side effects. The doctor may change the treatment plan for a woman who develops a problem that may have been caused by tamoxifen.