A patient is prescribed tamoxifen, 20 mg P.O. twice a day for newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer. While reinforcing education to the patient, the nurse should emphasize which possible side effect?

Explanation

•Tamoxifen is an antineoplastic agent that competes with estrogen for binding sites. Hot flashes occur in over 60% of patients on tamoxifen.

•Side effects include hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, menstrual changes, nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus, osteoporosis, bone pain, and fractures.

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