What side effects are associated with tamoxifen and AIs?
All drugs have side effects, and widely used drugs will have very long lists of potential risks. For tamoxifen, the serious side effects that are most well established are associated with its estrogen-like effects, and include blood clots and uterine cancer. Less serious (but annoying) side effects include hot flashes, while less common side effects can include a small amount of fluid retention and a long list of relatively uncommon toxicities. For AIs, the side effects are more easily associated with the lower levels of estrogen and can include accelerated bone density loss and osteoporosis, hot flashes, and a poorly understood syndrome of joint aches and stiffness. Both drugs can cause vaginal dryness and may have an impact on sexual function. The good news is that there are highly effective remedies for most of these possible side effects, and most women do not experience any of these side effects. Q: If my doctor recommends either tamoxifen or an AI, how I do choose between them? A
