Reconstruction that sucks due to all the damage from the radiation, lymphodema, etc. I have a consult with a holistic doctor this weekend. I've only been on Tamoxifen for 9 months, so I don't have any experience to offer you -- though I'm already feeling anxious about what will happen when I finish it 4+ years from now, so I can empathize with what you're feeling. Some of these adverse events were fatal. Tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment is prescribed for 5-10 years. The antiestrogenic activity I got the generic answer from the doctor - get your regular check ups and a mammogram once a year. Now the Oncologist wants me on tamoxifen for 5 years. … When you said you spoke with your doctor, did you mean your oncologist or gynecologist? Along with its needed effects, tamoxifen may cause some unwanted effects. My cancer was caught early and all I had was radiation. Seems it's been much worse since I started the Tamoxifen, especially the past year. Tamoxifen is the most widely prescribed endocrine therapy for breast cancer, with more than 7.5 million woman-years of clinical experience. Applies to tamoxifen: oral solution, oral tablet. Some people will have more side effects than others, and some don’t have any side effects at all. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking tamoxifen for five years and then switching to different hormone therapy for several more years. Did you ask your doc what to expect? Other side effects include: infection, sepsis, alopecia, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, infrequent uterine bleeding, menstrual disease, ostealgia, vomiting, and weight gain. It seems like you would start to go thru menopause, if you haven't already. The length of treatment along with side effects can make it tough to complete treatment. I did gain 20 pounds but my doctors said no evidence that Tamoxifen causes weight gain. Mayne Pharma Inc, Paramus, NJ. Thanks for response. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Commonly reported side effects of tamoxifen include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. He doesn't think the periods will come back. Fifteen years after starting treatment, there could be 6.7 fewer women experiencing a CV event and 3.3 fewer CV deaths for every 100 women age 50 to 59 years who take tamoxifen for 5 years, compared with 2 years of treatment. In rare cases, tamoxifen can cause … I am going to keep a journal on my condition after the medication. Conclusions: While the majority of women who used tamoxifen for primary prevention of breast cancer were likely to benefit, substantial discontinuation of tamoxifen before five years and use by women at risk of serious side effects may attenuate benefits for breast cancer prevention. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." After 1 year of Tamoxifen, these are 5 side effects I experienced on hormonal therapy taken to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. I've found my gynecologist to be more sympathetic and knowledgeable about Tamoxifen and its side effects than my oncologist -- and of course a gynecologist would know a lot more about menopause, so, if you haven't consulted with your gynecologist, you might try that. They also had a 30 percent lower risk of developing cancer in the contralateral (other) breast. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. I do not want to start tamoxifen after reading and being advised of all the "possible" side effects. "Product Information. Its purpose is to reduce the possibility that the estrogen your body produces will gain access to any cancer cells, and, in the process, often affects the way other parts of your body use estrogen, too, which is why it can cause menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, etc. Find out how likely side effects of tamoxifen are and side effects to report to your doctor, including common tamoxifen side effects, advice on tamoxifen and … After 4.5 years, 46% of women had discontinued tamoxifen. ENOUGH ALREADY? Thanks so much for your response. Like any hormonal therapy medicine, tamoxifen can cause side effects, some of them serious. I too still have hot flashes and have learned to deal with it. Although tamoxifen is effective, many women stop taking it before they finish the full treatment course. 5 years ago Tamoxifen side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. It's been the only "good" side effect! But there was no substantial increase in serious side effects, including endometrial cancer incidence or death, in women who took tamoxifen for the longer period, Gray reported. Awe Some!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you again. Health care providers should discuss the potential benefits versus the potential risks of these serious events with women at high risk of breast cancer and women with DCIS considering tamoxifen to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. My ob-gyn told me they would probably come back heavier as well! She does get occasional hot flashes. Other side effects include: infection, sepsis, alopecia, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, infrequent uterine bleeding, menstrual disease, ostealgia, vomiting, and weight gain. double mast., chemo, & radiation. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Diagnosed at age 38, stage III BC w/ Lymphnode involvement. Most people take tamoxifen or other hormone therapy for at least five years and sometimes up to 10 years. I"m hoping I won't have as many headaches and joint pain. So far I have been off of Tamoxifen for almost a week and I haven't experience anything unnormal. LOL. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Other related hypoestrogenic symptoms include night sweats, dryness or … I do want to clarify that Tamoxifen is not an estrogen -- it's an estrogen blocker. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more. Great question! Tamoxifen has both antiestrogenic and estrogenic activity. Talk with your health care provider about ways to ease these and other side effects. Tamoxifen's selective estrogen activation effects can cause some serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Female brand side effects stopping tamoxifen after 5 years old Drug due to health care of the drugs nsaids. I don'thave a gyneocologist - I get tested every year by someone different - I'm in the military system. 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