Which is a known increased risk associated with tamoxifen?

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Multiple Choice

Which is a known increased risk associated with tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, so while it blocks estrogen signaling in breast tissue, it can act like estrogen in other tissues. This estrogen-like activity can increase coagulation factor production in the liver and disturb the balance of clotting and anticoagulation, raising the risk of venous thromboembolism. Therefore, deep vein thrombosis is a known increased risk with tamoxifen, and patients on it should be aware of symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or warmth that could indicate a clot. By contrast, while tamoxifen helps preserve bone density (osteoprotective), it does not typically cause renal failure or hypothyroidism, which aren’t characteristic risks of this therapy.

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, so while it blocks estrogen signaling in breast tissue, it can act like estrogen in other tissues. This estrogen-like activity can increase coagulation factor production in the liver and disturb the balance of clotting and anticoagulation, raising the risk of venous thromboembolism. Therefore, deep vein thrombosis is a known increased risk with tamoxifen, and patients on it should be aware of symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or warmth that could indicate a clot. By contrast, while tamoxifen helps preserve bone density (osteoprotective), it does not typically cause renal failure or hypothyroidism, which aren’t characteristic risks of this therapy.

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