Gynecological Side Effects of Tamoxifen among Sudanese Women, Khartoum, Sudan, 2020

Abstract

Background: In Sudan, the common endocrine therapy tamoxifen is prescribed to HR-positive patients, which is associated with a variety of complications such as hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and vaginal dryness. Objective: This study aimed to determine the gynecological side effects of tamoxifen among Sudanese women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Alzara Hospital in Al Amal Toure Revere, Sudan. A convenience sample of individuals previously diagnosed with breast cancer attended refer clinic. From October 2020 to September 2021, all patients attending were checked for eligibility. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study; 60% of patients reported increased vaginal secretions after taking the drug, 28% reported normal vaginal secretions with no change, and 11% reported decreased secretions after taking the medication, while 22% developed vaginal bleeding, and 22% of the ultrasound results revealed endometrial masses among the study patients. Also, 54 percent of female patients experienced hot flashes after taking the medication, and 12% of women missed some doses of treatment. Conclusion: Tamoxifen results in several gynecological side effects in women with breast cancer. A high percentage of women in the study developed hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, and discharge, in addition to having ultrasound results showing endometrial masses among them.