Tamoxifen Flashcards
1
Q
what is the therapeutic use?
A
- Treats estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer
- Prevents occurrence of breast cancer in clients who were assigned female
at birth and who are at high risk
2
Q
What are adverse effects?
A
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting
- Hot flashes
- Retinopathy, cataracts, decreased visual acuity
- Risk for uterine cancer, endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of tissue that
lines the uterus) - Increased risk for thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism
3
Q
What are nursing interventions?
A
- Monitor for gastrointestinal effects.
- Monitor for hot flashes.
- Monitor for visual disturbances.
- Assist with endometrial biopsies as needed.
- Monitor for leg pain, sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, or signs of
stroke.
4
Q
How do we administer?
A
orally
5
Q
What should the pt report?
A
- Report persistent nausea and vomiting to provider.
- Report severe hot flashes to provider.
- Report blurred vision or decreased visual acuity.
- Have regular ophthalmic examinations while taking tamoxifen.
- Report abnormal menstrual bleeding to provider.
- Report leg pain or swelling; immediately report sudden chest pain or
shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body.
6
Q
What are contraindications?
A
- Pregnancy risk category D (1st trimester especially), lactation
- Anticoagulant therapy
- History of thrombocytopenia
- Preexisting endometrial hyperplasia
7
Q
What are some precautions to be aware of as a nurse?
A
- Visual disturbances, cataracts
- Bone marrow suppression
- Hypercalcemia
- High blood cholesterol
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
8
Q
What are some interactions to be aware of?
A
- Estrogens may decrease effectiveness of concurrently administered
tamoxifen. - Blood levels are increased by bromocriptine.
- May increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
- Other anticancer medications may increase risk for thromboembolism with
tamoxifen.
