I have a relative, who is loosing her hair. She was told that it could be because of her taking Tamoxifen, that it is similar to chemotherapy. Has anyone heard of this side effect of the drug?
Tamoxifen isn’t just similar to chemotherapy: it is chemotherapy. Temporary hair loss is a rare side effect.
http://www.jasper-web.com/texascanceronline/Drugs/tamoxifen.htm
Tamoxifen (brand name Nolvadex) works by blocking estrogen, which has been linked to the growth of certain kinds of breast cancers. It’s used as an adjuvant chemo drug during actual treatment of cancer (meaning that it’s used with other drugs and treatments). It’s also used after treatment to prevent recurrence, and in some specific women, usually women with VERY strong family histories of breast cancer (e.g. where the mother and at least one sister has had the disease).
I did check the complete prescribing information from the Nolvadex website, and hair thinning and/or hair loss is listed in the “adverse reactions” section. If this concerns your friend, she should see a doctor.
Robin