Question

Mrs. Nangrun brings in the following prescription:

Tamoxifen 20 mg tablets
Sig: 1 po qd
#30
Which side effect will the pharmacist tell her about that might occur with this medication?

a) Dry cough

b) Hot flashes

c) Drowsiness

d) Photosensitivity

Answer 1

The pharmacist is likely to mention hot flashes option (b) as a common side effect of Tamoxifen, which Mrs. Nangrun has been prescribed. Tamoxifen can also lead to other significant side effects such as increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and various cancers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient, Mrs. Nangrun, has been prescribed Tamoxifen 20 mg tablets to take orally once a day. When discussing the potential side effects of Tamoxifen with the pharmacist, the most likely side effect that would be mentioned is b) Hot flashes. Tamoxifen is commonly used to treat certain forms of breast cancer, and hot flashes are among its well-known side effects since the medication can mimic some menopausal symptoms. Other side effects of Tamoxifen can include an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, blood clots, other types of cancers, gall bladder disease, and mood changes such as depression. It is important for patients to be aware of these side effects so they can monitor their health and communicate any concerns with their healthcare provider.