Tamoxifen

Many of us do not have any side effects at all. I've been on it about 10 months now and it feels like a sugar pill. I think most women are scared to try it, but are pleasantly surprised when their SEs are mild or non-existent. Women without issues simply don't post on these boards about it, so you only hear the negatives. My MO said about 70% of women handle Tamoxifen with mild/no side effects. Others think it's more like 50%. In either case, the odds are good you'll be just fine on it.

I have been on it for two years. At my last eye appt. for contacts, I was told I am starting to develop cataracts and it most likely is from Tamoxifen. So I saw a specialist who dilated my eyes and explained that I am NOT developing cataracts and my eyes are perfectly healthy. The ophthalmologist also said he has never seen a case where Tamoxifen caused cataracts and considers it very low risk. So, I wouldn't worry about it unless you suddenly develop problems with your eye sight.

Here is a list of my side effects: leg cramps (but sleeping with your legs straight instead of curled up will help eliminate this); mild hot flashes; ten pound weight gain and I can't lose weight no matter how little I eat; sometimes I get depression near my period that lasts a couple of weeks; sweaty arm pits and no deodorant will stop it (I have tried them all); and now I have started to have bone pain that mainly bothers me at night but never while I am exercising. I find that as soon as I get one side effect under control or just get used to it, then surprise! Another new one pops up