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. Information specialists translate the latest scientific information into understandable language and respond in English, Spanish, or on TTY equipment. Includes information on understanding trials, deciding whether to participate in trials, finding specific trials, plus research news and other resources. CancerMail Includes NCI information about cancer treatment, screening, prevention, and supportive care. CancerFax Includes NCI information about cancer treatment, screening, prevention, and supportive care.