Common Side Effects of Nolvadex
Nolvadex has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. In these studies, the most common side effects of Nolvadex included:
* Hot flashes -- in up to 80 percent of people (women)
* Vaginal discharge -- up to 50 percent (women)
* Water retention -- up to 32 percent
* Nausea -- up to 26 percent
* Irregular menstrual periods -- up to 25 percent (women)
* Weight loss -- up to 23 percent
* Vaginal bleeding -- up to 23 percent. (women)
Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 19 percent of people taking the drug) included:
* Bone pain
* Back pain
* Headaches
* Cough
* High cholesterol (see Tamoxifen and High Cholesterol)
* Fatigue
* Muscle pain
* Ovarian cysts (women)
* Skin changes
* Infection
* Indigestion or heartburn
* Insomnia (see Tamoxifen and Insomnia)
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Anemia
* Weight gain (see Tamoxifen and Weight Gain)
* Mood changes
* Hair loss (see Tamoxifen and Hair Loss).
Some side effects with Nolvadex, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
* Increase in tumor size or appearance of new tumors
* Difficulty breathing
* Depression (see Tamoxifen and Depression)
* Unusual or unexplained vaginal bleeding
* High blood pressure (hypertension)
* Chest pain
* Osteoporosis or broken bones
* Signs of a blood clot, such as:
o Pain
o Swelling
o Tenderness (especially in the legs)
* Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
o Unexplained rash
o Hives
o Itching
o Unexplained swelling.
