Conclusion
cold sweats, sweats, muscle cramps
The KARISMA study is the only randomised clinical trial specifically targeting side effects of both low and standard doses of tamoxifen in healthy women. This study demonstrates that low-dose tamoxifen substantially reduces the severity of the most prevalent side effects (hot flashes, night sweats, cold sweats, vaginal discharge and muscle cramps) in premenopausal women. We also show that menopausal status influences side effects of tamoxifen. If validated, these findings will have implications on future dosing strategies in the treatment of high-risk women as well as in adjuvant treatment. What dose of tamoxifen that provides optimal efficacy and tolerability needs to be further investigated.