Drug Interaction Report

Aldesleukin and Tamoxifen: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 10, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Tamoxifen

Nolvadex® Soltamox Soltamox®
+

Aldesleukin

Proleukin Proleukin®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Jul 10, 2026
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 33 documented Aldesleukin interactions, 5 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Moderate

What happens

An increased risk for hypersensitivity reactions (erythema, pruritus, hypotension)

Interaction Deep Dive

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients receiving combination regimens containing sequential high dose aldesleukin and tamoxifen. Erythema, pruritus, and hypotension has occurred within hours of chemotherapy administration1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Aldesleukin and Tamoxifen together?

An increased risk for hypersensitivity reactions (erythema, pruritus, hypotension) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Aldesleukin and Tamoxifen interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Aldesleukin or Tamoxifen need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: Proleukin(R), aldesleukin. Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA, 1999. DailyMed
Was this write-up helpful?
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

Check another combination

Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.

Coming soon

The instant two-drug checker is on its way.

In the meantime, browse the directory below to look up any drug and see its documented interactions.

Still have questions about this combination?

Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.

Ask the pharmacist
This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.