Hot flashes, headache, troublesleeping, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight gain, tiredness/weakness, increased coughing, or sore throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone pain, easily broken bones, joint stiffness/pain, muscle pain/stiffness, mental/mood changes (such as depression), numb/tingling skin, swelling hands/ankle/feet, shortness of breath, unusual vaginal discharge/bleeding/burning/itching/odor, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, vision changes, signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Blurred vision
- bone pain
- chest pain or discomfort
- dizziness
- headache
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
Less common
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- chest tightness or heaviness
- chills
- cough
- cough producing mucus
- difficult or painful urination
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness, severe
- fever
- headache, continuing
- hoarseness
- increased blood pressure
- lower back or side pain
- nausea
- pain, tenderness, bluish color, or swelling of the foot or leg
- sore throat
- sweating
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
- vaginal bleeding (unexpected and heavy)
Incidence not known
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- confusion
- constipation
- dark urine
- depression
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- dry mouth
- general tiredness and weakness
- hives or welts, itching, skin rash
- incoherent speech
- increased urination
- joint or muscle pain
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
- light-colored stools
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste
- muscle weakness
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- stomach pain
- thirst
- upper right abdominal pain
- vomiting
- weight loss
- yellow eyes and skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Back pain
- belching
- body aches or pain
- congestion
- decrease in height
- feeling of warmth
- flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
- heartburn
- increased appetite
- indigestion
- lack or loss of strength
- mood or mental changes
- pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
- pain, general
- pelvic pain
- runny nose
- stomach discomfort or upset
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- trouble in swallowing
- voice changes
Less common
- Anxiety
- breast pain
- dryness of the vagina
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- joint stiffness
- loss of hair
- numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
- shivering
- sleepiness
- trouble sleeping
- weight gain
Incidence not known
- Difficulty in moving
- muscle cramps or stiffness
- swollen joints
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Do not use this medicine together with tamoxifen (Nolvadex®, Soltamox®).
This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
Check with your doctor right away if you start having chest pains or difficulty with breathing. This medicine may increase the chance of heart problems, including heart attack, in women who have a history of ischemic heart disease.
This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
This medicine may increase your cholesterol or fat in the blood. If this happens, your doctor may give you medicine to lower the cholesterol and fat.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.