Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
-
Cidney, Everyone is different but SEs can kick in quickly and change or go away. I had a little vaginal discharge within a few days of starting, also some "warm" flashes and sweating but nothing really bad. Then I got a tummy upset with looseness that lasted a month then went away. The main problem I have now is tiredness due in part to waking up even earlier than usual although I take OTC sleeping pills or lorazepam. I stopped taking tamoxifen for 5 days but it did not seem to make much difference except my mood seemed worse so I am back on the program. I do actually have a rash under my breast at the moment but I think that is due to a reaction to the gel I got for my heart monitor for when I exercise.
Fingers crossed that you SEs improve soon!!
0 -
lyzzysmom, you mentioned taking OTC sleeping pills ... Just make sure they don't have the same ingredient as Benadryl (diphenhydramine I believe?), which is said to lesson tamoxifen's effectiveness. It's always something, right? ;-)
0 -
Gemini, I discussed sleeping pills and benedryl with my onc. He seemed to think it would be OK but I do use different sorts and do not take my favorites which DO interact according to the data every night! They all seem to have different views. Some seem to think you shouldn't take them while others seem to think its ok to use occasionally. So many things where they disagree when it comes to BC!. My onc said something along the lines of well you'll know its working if you get side effects (and thats Dana Farber)LOL
0 -
I've been on Tamox for three weeks now. I was extremely fatigued the first two weeks, but this past week it seems to be a little better. But over the past couple of days I've been having what seems like bone pain-quick flashes of pain in random places (my wrist, forearm, ankle, knee) and last night I woke up twice from calf pain (Charlie horse).
0 -
Christy, I think leg cramps are common; I get them once in a while, too. Make sure you stay hydrated and get plenty of potassium and magnesium.
0 -
lyzzysmom, your onc definitely knows best! :-)
I'm in the Boston area as well -- very familiar with Dana (though didn't go there for any of my treatments). You're in good hands!
0 -
Hi Ladies: So after 2 very long years, I began the tamoxifen yesterday! I thought I would take it at night, but no sleep. So I will take in the a.m. My MO knows my concerns regarding quality of life so we will meet at the end of December to discuss any SEs. I am already fatigued due to this process! Lisa
0 -
ChristyJ,I'm about on the same schedule and I also just startedhaving the random flashes of pain.
0 -
Nettie1964 I'm hoping it's a temporary thing for both of us.
0 -
Yes, I'm hoping so too!! Just stinks that things just keep popping up!
Today, I've felt terrible, had a very bad backache, and the only thing I did different was walked a bit with the grandkids for trick or treating Friday night! But geez, walking is supposed to be good for you!! I'm hoping that this is what caused this and that it will soon be a thing of the past!
0 -
I've been on tamoxifen since January with no side effects except not a period since I started it. I had blood work done this past Friday and I'm now considered post menopausal! I was shocked. No hot flashes or anything. I Will be seeing oncologist in a couple months, but I hope to be able to stay on the tamoxifen and not switch to the AIs, as it's been good for me. With the AIs you have to worry about bone loss, right? Where tamoxifen actually strengthens bones. Any thoughts? Kim
0 -
stenokim, I switched from an AI to tami. I am post menopausal. My MO switched me because I couldn't take the joint pain with the AI, but also my bone density test showed more loss and she said the tami is good for bones. I'll get a test again next February. What made me mad was because I didn't get a bone density when I started the AI (my first was from 2008) they couldn't be sure it was due to the AI. Well, no doc suggested getting a bone density test. Was I suppose to know that?
I am having a bunch of trouble with my teeth lately. But my MO says it has nothing to do with my tx. It just seems weird that I have had 3 crowns and a tooth extraction all in the last month. And talk about pain. whooeee!!! Now I'm getting a root canal tomorrow. This pain better stop with that procedure.
0 -
I had the same experience with Tamoxifen generics. Watson was horrible for me, but Teva is great.....most of the time few side effects!
0 -
Mac, thanks for the info.
Katy, different for everyone. I'm on Watson with no side effects. Weird how that works! Kim
0 -
Hi, I have been on tamoxifen for 4 plus months now! The sleep is an issue or lack of sleep, but otherwise I have been fortunate to have minimal SE's. Also i take my dose 10mg in the a.m. and 10mg p.m. I wonder if this would help others? Originally I had the 20mg and split them but now i request the 10's. Also wondering???????My exchange is coming up in 6 weeks how many have been asked to stop tamoxifen before surgery? It seems controversial but I am definitely going to ask my PS if he doesn't mention anything!
0 -
My dr said stop a week or two prior to surgery and begin it again couple weeks after... they fear clots and interactions with the anesthesia, pain meds, valium, vicodin or Percocet and antibiotics... each hour under is one week to get out of system -so 5 hr surgery under, = 5 weeks or 6 for the anesthisie to rid itself from your body... usually,,, and anesthesia and pain pills can cause insomnia too so just wouldn't risk taking Tamoxifen and having surgery too... my BS, ONC and PS all said to take break from it if getting surgery..
0 -
My Onc said to stop 2 weeks before, then start up again 3-4 days after when I was up walking around more. You should definitely ask.
0 -
Thank you juliecc and sparkle2014. I will definitely ask when I go for my pre-op with the PS which is 2 1/2 weeks before the exchange! Did either of you have any SE's from going off and then going back on the Tamoxifen?0 -
Luli, my side effects from tamoxifen have greatly improved since starting in April so going off and on wasn't an issue at all. I didn't notice an increase in any side effects. My SE are occasional warm flashes and trouble sleeping.
0 -
Hi ladies,
I just finished my 5 yrs of Tamoxifen in July. I was so happy to be off the drug at first and now I'm not so sure. In need of input from anyone whose been off Tamoxifen. My periods have come back with a vengeance! They are heavier, last longer, and are coming in shorter duration. I'm scheduled to see a new gyne today (my old one retired) and I started some bleeding last night and its been only two weeks since my last period! Is this normal? I don't like to go to the gyne if I'm bleeding, but I need answers.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
0 -
Thanks Juliecc! Those are about what my SEs are as well so hopefully it will be minimal if any. Sorry AniPie about your bleeding, ugh. I know I was near menopause starting Tamoxifen and haven't had a period since starting. I will be watching to see how things go for you and hope you catch some doc wisdom about what is going on for you!0 -
Just curious if anyone got extremely sleepy while taking tamoxifen?? I'm just starting my 2nd month and I could sleep my life away. Plus I'm tired all the time.
0 -
It makes me sleepy, that's why I take it in the evening after dinner.
0 -
I take in the morning, if I took it at night I would never be able to get up in the morning. I'm fine until about 6 pm and then I'm done. I feel asleep for an hour today already around 5 pm. Only up because we had company.
0 -
Anyone have issues with your stomach on Tamoxifen? I get periodic bouts of nausea, dizziness, burping and bloating. It was way worse before I quit taking One-A-Day multi vits which are apparently known for fillers that cause tummy troubles. So I don't get it as often but when I do, it sucks!! The nausea and bloating are what I hate the most! Anyone taking probiotics for this and if so, what type and how much?
0 -
I had tummy upset for the first month then it went away but I have been fatigued yet unable to stay sleep even with prescription sleep aids. I have been fuzzy headed and have had memory issues which is not good as I am a computer programmer, albeit part time.
I have started on a break for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference.
0 -
I don't know if anyone tried sipping on cold gingerale or diet 7 up or diet gingerale ,,, settles tummy! or gingertea, ginger/lemon twinnings tea, peppermint tea, iced tea with fresh mint leaves, saltines,,,, just an idea0 -
lala...yes, yes, yes, I have stomach issues since being on Tamoxifen. I have had heartburn, nausea, and vomiting ever since I started. The only times it was better was when I was off it for over a week due to surgeries. My MO told me, "you feel better than you did during chemo, don't you? Just take it." I never missed a dose other than surgeries...was just asking for suggestions to deal with it. Needless to say, he is my ex MO. My new one told me to try ginger tea and double my Zantac. It didn't work. I finally gave up on everyone cancer and went to my family doctor. She sent me for a GI referral since she is very concerned that it has caused a constant sore throat. I go at the end of the month. I have heartburn 24-7, have several hours of nausea every day, and vomit multiple times every week. If you don't count pregnancies and this whole cancer thing, I can count the number of times I've vomited in my life on one hand. I used to have a stomach of steel. Apparently not anymore. I am hoping the GI doc will have some suggestions. If I find something that works, I will let you know. But for now, just know that I feel your pain.
0 -
Wow, Kbee! I don't have it near as bad as you!! I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time. The one thing I haven't had is vomiting, thank god, although sometimes I feel like I'm going to. My worst issues are the bloating and burping. I wake up fine but by the end of the day, usually starting around 8pm, my belly starts to bloat. Soon I feel like I ate a giant meal even though I usually just have yogurt or a smoothie or oatmeal. Last week I started taking a probiotic and have to say that I do feel quite a bit better. I take one in the am and one in the pm and it seems to settle my stomach as far as the nausea goes. The burping and bloating are still there but not as bad lately, Next I need to try a food diary and see if there is some commonality i'm missing.
I've just been doing some research on bloating and find that some docs say it's actually the most common symptom during perimenopause and menopause, even more so than hot flashes. I'm 51 and just this year started to miss periods so my docs think I'm going through perimenopause. They pretty much attribute all my symptoms to it. Makes me wonder......does Tamoxifen cause all these issues or does it cause menopause which causes all these issues? I've been on it for 2 years. The first year I had so issues other than joint/muscle pain but also had regular periods every month. Then the second year, as soon as I started skipping periods, all these issues popped up. It's probably why the Tamoxifen manufacturers (and MOs) claim Tamoxifen doesn't have all these side effects. They can just say it puts you into menopause which then starts all this crap! Either way, it sucks!
I'll be very curious what your GI doc says, especially if they have any suggestions. In the meantime, I think I'll try some ginger tea at night. Do you recommend any one in particular to help with bloating and nausea?
0 -
Been on Tamoxifen/gosserelin for two months.
I think I'm having my first hot flash. It feels exactly like the niacin flush I had the one time I took a megadose. My skin is on fire and it's beet red. It kind of hurts.
0
