Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Tamoxifen and flying

TeacherT
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 835 views

I've been on tamoxifen for 10 months. I'm going on a 2 hour flight next month, cautious of increased risk of blood clots with tamoxifen, should I be concerned/ be doing anything before I fly?

Many thanks.

  • Hi

    Thank you for contacting us, and welcome to our online community. My name is George, and I'm one of the Cancer Information Nurses at Macmillan.

    You may be at a slightly higher risk of developing blood clots such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when taking specific hormone therapies such as tamoxifen. Sitting for long periods when travelling in a car, train, or plane can increase the risk of blood clots developing, and journeys over 4 hrs can increase this risk further.

    Tips to help reduce risk and prevent blood clots when traveling include:

    • Wearing loose-fitting clothes, wear compression stockings which are the correct size for you (check with your GP if you have any conditions that cause swelling in your legs).
    • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, none dehydrating fluids.
    • Short walks down the plane and exercises every hour by straitening and bending the knees, feet and toes. 

    It's always important to speak with your hospital specialist team or GP about the risks of blood clots from your medication and ways to reduce them, such as stockings and potentially anticoagulation medicines for longer and more risky journeys. 

    Best Regards

    George, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.


    Ref/ GH / DW

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007