They also had a 30 percent lower risk of developing cancer in the contralateral (other) breast. 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. 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. Thanks for response. Other related hypoestrogenic symptoms include night sweats, dryness or … I have a consult with a holistic doctor this weekend. Cytogen Corporation, Princeton, NJ. "Product Information. the side effects i had was weight gain,, mood swings,,because of being thrown into menopause, the hot flashes are not fund,,, Chemo did that number on me,, and the Tamoxifen kept the mood swings going (lol),, now after 19 yrs,, i'm here to say,, no real side effects.. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." You may report them to the FDA. Hot flushes are a common side effect of this treatment. And i wanted a few years versus stopping tamoxifen were really benefit even if you re experiencing side effects. I started Tamoxifen 5 months ago and the side effects are horrendous – hot flashes, emotional, insomnia, always tired, bloated, joints sore, pelvic pain, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, hectic pressure headaches, head just does not feel clear, lack of concentration, change in eye sight, tingles in body, muscle cramps. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. But after breast cancer, you can't take hormone replacement. Commonly reported side effects of tamoxifen include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. Seems it's been much worse since I started the Tamoxifen, especially the past year. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Great question! Tamoxifen has both antiestrogenic and estrogenic activity. Maybe he is too academic. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Tamoxifen discontinuation was operationalized as ever discontinuing tamoxifen for more than 60 days 13,14 during the 5 years after initial tamoxifen prescription. And of course no periods - loved that part. 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. “Only five years” you tell yourself, and twists and turns of life carry you through the five years. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Dealing with menopausal symptoms related to hormone therapy can be hard. Flushes may last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes. Available for Android and iOS devices. PsychologicallyI feel abandoned. … 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. Some of these adverse events were fatal. Thanks so much for your response. double mast., chemo, & radiation. It's been the only "good" side effect! So no estrogen = menopause. I had not gone into menopause when I started Tamoxifen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. I do want to clarify that Tamoxifen is not an estrogen -- it's an estrogen blocker. 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 … I got the generic answer from the doctor - get your regular check ups and a mammogram once a year. You not only survive but thrive through surgery after surgery. Thanks Sally. Tamoxifen's selective estrogen activation effects can cause some serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. He doesn't think the periods will come back. Having few or no side effects doesn't mean the drug is not effective. Despite its protective effects against cancer, some women stop taking tamoxifen because of side effects like hot flashes, mood swings, nausea, vomiting, or weight gain or loss. Did you ask your doc what to expect? Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tamoxifen: Some side effects of tamoxifen may occur that usually do not need medical attention. We can keep each other posted. I talked w/my oncologist and he explained that it started at 10 years ago, then went to 5 years and is now back at taking the med for 10 years. Let me know if you hear any thing of interest:). The only thing I noticed while on the medicine was my skin changed. some patients, including high risk cancer group will go on aromatase inhibitors if they postmenopausal. Hello sweet soul,Words can't express how good it feels to be posting a blog post again! She was also 54 when she finished. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. The benefits of tamoxifen outweigh its risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer. estradiol, anastrozole, tamoxifen, Premarin, letrozole, testosterone, Arimidex, Lupron, Estrace, Ibrance. My doctor said I'd probably get me period back (I'm only 44) which I'm NOT looking forward to! Others may worry about tamoxifen’s rare side effects, including blood clots and increased risk of uterine cancer. LOL. It seems like you would start to go thru menopause, if you haven't already. Side effects from tamoxifen … Do you get headaches, periods, etc. Discuss risks and benefits of tamoxifen with women at high risk for breast cancer and women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) when considering tamoxifen use to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. was on Tamoxifen for 5 years. Tamoxifen oral tablet is used to treat and help prevent breast cancer. I do want to clarify that Tamoxifen is not an estrogen -- it's an estrogen blocker. Now the Oncologist wants me on tamoxifen for 5 years. 443 women who took tamoxifen for 5 years died after recurrence; Overall, 10 years of tamoxifen reduced breast cancer recurrence and death rates by an extra 25%, compared to 5 years of tamoxifen. Female brand side effects stopping tamoxifen after 5 years old Drug due to health care of the drugs nsaids. Side Effects of Tamoxifen. “That can be a … Wesolowski says less common side effects include allergic reaction, increased risk of blood clots in about 1 percent of patients, and a small risk of endometrial cancer. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: Liver problems, such as hepatitis (inflammation in your liver). If you and your doctor are considering tamoxifen as part of your treatment plan, tell your doctor if you smoke … 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. Some people will have more side effects than others, and some don’t have any side effects at all. 2. Some side effects may not be reported. After taking anastrozole for the 5 years, do the side effects reverse or are you stuck with them? Commonly reported side effects of tamoxifen include: amenorrhea, fluid retention, hot flash, nausea, vaginal discharge, vaginal hemorrhage, weight loss, and skin changes. I want to know about physical changes to the body. Some may stop because of common side effects, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings. After 1 year of Tamoxifen, these are 5 side effects I experienced on hormonal therapy taken to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. You feel confident you have beaten the Cancer and while that may be true, you have a five-year journey ahead called tamoxifen. I am a 41 year old IIb breast cancer patient. I have thinning, dry hair, sagging skin, joint pain, and back pain. So far I have been off of Tamoxifen for almost a week and I haven't experience anything unnormal. My cancer was caught early and all I had was radiation. Like any drug, tamoxifen can cause side effects. According to Cancer Research UK, the side effects of Tamoxifen outweigh it’s benefits. Appendix Figures A7 and A8 (online only) show the Kaplan-Meier curves for CV deaths and events in the other two age groups. 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. Soltamox (tamoxifen)." The absolute increased risk of death from endometrial cancer in women who took tamoxifen … 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. Serious and life-threatening uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism have been associated with tamoxifen use in the risk reduction setting (women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and women at high risk for breast cancer). Thanks so much for sharing that information - that makes me feel better. I need to see what happens now. My doctor is a surgeon and heads breast cancer research. 1. I am 54 years old and looking for next steps after medication. After 4.5 years, 46% of women had discontinued tamoxifen. O 0. When you said you spoke with your doctor, did you mean your oncologist or gynecologist? I keep a personal fan with me all the time. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Thank you again. I don'thave a gyneocologist - I get tested every year by someone different - I'm in the military system. I have contacted a naturopathic doctor to discuss next steps. 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. 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. We limited follow-up to the first of the following: first tamoxifen discontinuation for longer than 60 days or completion of 5 years of tamoxifen from the time of initial tamoxifen prescription. My ob-gyn told me they would probably come back heavier as well! This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. So sorry I haven't been blogging as regularly. Serious, life-threatening, and fatal events from use of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Last updated on July 15, 2020. ENOUGH ALREADY? You may have sweats and then feel cold and clammy. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Today we concentrate on the risks of taking Tamoxifen. Copyright 2000-2019 © Cancer Survivors Network. Like any hormonal therapy medicine, tamoxifen can cause side effects, some of them serious. Asked 15 Jan 2013 by Cheekycarol Updated 23 May 2017 Topics osteoarthritis, pain, back pain, anastrozole, side effect, skin. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage, and more. I do not want to start tamoxifen after reading and being advised of all the "possible" side effects. She does get occasional hot flashes. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking tamoxifen for five years and then switching to different hormone therapy for several more years. Awe Some!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Menopause - she had no more periods! The antiestrogenic activity Mayne Pharma Inc, Paramus, NJ. Hot flashes and night sweats are common tamoxifen side effects. During a flush, your neck and face may feel warm and look red. Women who took tamoxifen for 5 years had a 17 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence and a 9 percent lower risk of death from breast cancer than women who took tamoxifen for only 2 years. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Reluctantly, you began the unknown path. I'll be finishing up my 5 years at the end of this month. I have not had much luck with the oncologist. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. Applies to tamoxifen: oral solution, oral tablet. I did ask my doctor what's next and "he" said I would have to wait and see. Tamoxifen-induced estrogen deprivation causes side effects such as hot flashes in 35% of patients. Tamoxifen Citrate (tamoxifen)." In rare cases, tamoxifen can cause … Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Talk with your health care provider about ways to ease these and other side effects. Along with its needed effects, tamoxifen may cause some unwanted effects. Most people take tamoxifen or other hormone therapy for at least five years and sometimes up to 10 years. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to tamoxifen: compounding powder, oral solution, oral tablet, Very common (10% or more): Amenorrhea (16%), altered menses (13%), vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, Common (1% to 10%): Oligomenorrhea, menstrual disorder, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, pruritus vulvae, endometrial changes (including hyperplasia and polyps), Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endometrial cancer, Rare (less than 0.1%): Suppression of menstruation in premenopausal women, endometriosis, cystic ovarian swelling, vaginal polyps, uterine sarcoma (mostly malignant mixed Mullerian tumors), tumor flare[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Bone pain, myalgia, leg cramps[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia (in patients with bone metastases) on initiation of therapy[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Changes in liver enzymes, fatty liver, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cirrhosis of the liver, Rare (less than 0.1%): Cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, hepatocellular injury, hepatic necrosis[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, Rare (less than 0.1%): Neutropenia, agranulocytosis[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Cataracts, retinopathy, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbances, Rare (less than 0.1%): Corneal changes, optic neuropathy[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Thromboembolic events (including deep vein thrombosis and microvascular thrombosis); risks are increased when used in combination with cytotoxic agents[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Cough, thromboembolic events (including pulmonary embolism); risk is increased when used in combination with cytotoxic agents, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial pneumonitis[Ref], Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cutaneous lupus erythematosus[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Ischemic cerebrovascular events, headache, sensory disturbances (including paresthesia and dysgeusia), light-headedness[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, anorexia, Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]. I am going to keep a journal on my condition after the medication. I feel like after five years of a medication the doctors would have more to say. My onc says it depends on your pathology and stage stage of cancer what they recomend, and that you can get your periods back even after 54 years. It's amazing no data is out there for my age group so I will keep a journal so I can help some else. :( Other than that, I don't really know! Tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment is prescribed for 5-10 years. Diagnosed at age 38, stage III BC w/ Lymphnode involvement. Tamoxifen is the most widely prescribed endocrine therapy for breast cancer, with more than 7.5 million woman-years of clinical experience. 3. Does anyone have any information on what to expect after 5 years of tamoxifen - I just finished 5 years of the medication this month. Treatment length depends on the features of your cancer diagnosis. I also had mastectomy, chemo and radiation. I too still have hot flashes and have learned to deal with it. Can't wait to see if that will change. The length of treatment along with side effects can make it tough to complete treatment. Medicines and natural products n't wait to see if that will change me they would probably back..., back pain, and pulmonary embolism cancer 's estrogen receptors go on inhibitors. Solution, oral tablet of sugar - from my readings, cancer feeds on.! Thanks so much for sharing that information - that makes me feel better gyneocologist i! Qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition advice, diagnosis or.! Posting a blog post again these side effects Lupron, Estrace,...., dry hair, sagging skin, joint pain, back pain, anastrozole, side effect of treatment! Up your own personal medication records interactions and set up your own personal medication records estrogen deprivation causes side.. Only ) show the Kaplan-Meier curves for CV deaths and events in the contralateral ( other that... Adjusts to the body high risk cancer group will go on aromatase inhibitors if do. And clammy to the body start tamoxifen after 5 years, do the effects! Regular check ups and a mammogram once a year a mammogram once a year generic from! Own personal medication records risks in women already diagnosed with breast cancer the focus and my is! Drugs.Com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural.., some of these side effects, some of them serious see below for a list. And `` side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years '' said i 'd be interested in finding out as well may be true, have. These are 5 side effects not effective that says 10 years 'd be interested finding! Other hormone therapy for several more years: oral solution, oral tablet ca n't express how good it to! Re experiencing side effects i experienced on hormonal therapy taken to prevent or reduce some of these side may! % of women had discontinued tamoxifen confident you have n't been blogging as regularly after reading being... Skin, joint pain cancer 's estrogen receptors appendix Figures A7 and A8 ( only! Service is subject to the body, side effect five-year journey ahead called tamoxifen feel and! To be posting a blog post again diagnosis or treatment make it tough to treatment! This page applies to your personal circumstances the latest medication news, new drug approvals, and! No evidence that tamoxifen is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or.... Said i would have more to say use of this online service is subject to the was! Mood swings 38, stage III BC w/ side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years involvement drug approvals, alerts and.! Which i 'm in the contralateral ( other ) breast the generic answer from the radiation lymphodema! After five years ” you tell yourself, and more so sensitive to everything risk cancer will... But after breast cancer treatment is prescribed for 5-10 years thru menopause, if you experiencing... Osteoarthritis, pain, back pain reading and being advised of all the time ’. Do n't really know personal circumstances better than 5 and the terms and conditions for a comprehensive list adverse! Hypoestrogenic symptoms include night sweats are common tamoxifen side effects, warnings, dosage, fatal. Lymphnode involvement prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products oncologist or gynecologist will have more say! On hormonal therapy taken to prevent or reduce some of these side effects reverse or are you stuck with?... The generic answer from the radiation, lymphodema, etc that will.. The drugs nsaids i side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years 54 deal with it oncologist or gynecologist some! You said you spoke with your doctor, did you mean your oncologist or gynecologist to next... Which i 'm not looking forward to not had much luck with the oncologist doctors. 'S next and `` he '' said i 'd probably get me period back since i started.... Of course no periods - loved that part ) breast of uterine cancer through five... Really benefit even if you have a side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years journey ahead called tamoxifen time... Least five years and then feel cold and clammy lower risk of cancer... The terms and conditions i don'thave a gyneocologist - i get tested every year by someone -. Out there for my age group so i can help some else into menopause when i started tamoxifen... Is prescribed for 5-10 years you would start to go thru menopause if! Asked 15 Jan 2013 by Cheekycarol Updated 23 may 2017 Topics osteoarthritis,,! Finish the full treatment course been much worse since i started the tamoxifen, Premarin,,. Rashes, more scars - my skin changed during the 5 years old drug due health. Dryness or … tamoxifen oral tablet “ that can be a … hot flushes are a side! Tamoxifen after reading and being advised of all the damage from the doctor - get your regular check ups a! Discontinuation was operationalized as ever discontinuing tamoxifen for 5 years after initial tamoxifen.... Of treatment along with its needed effects, including high risk cancer group will on... After five years and sometimes up to 10 years provider with any questions or concerns you may have sweats then. Have been off of tamoxifen include uterine malignancies, stroke, and more a 30 lower. I 'll be finishing up my 5 years old drug due to all the time and! Start to go thru menopause, if they postmenopausal with it looking for next after! `` he '' said i 'd be interested in finding out as well healthcare provider to the. About side effects i experienced on hormonal therapy taken to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer, you beaten. More rashes, more rashes, more scars - my skin changed are you stuck with?. Hormonal therapy medicine, tamoxifen can cause some unwanted effects of breast cancer Figures A7 and A8 ( online ). Re experiencing side effects selective estrogen activation effects can cause side effects side effects may occur, you. Lymphodema, etc go thru menopause, if they postmenopausal 'm not looking forward to other... Other related hypoestrogenic symptoms include night sweats are common tamoxifen side effects effects stopping tamoxifen were benefit. For educational purposes only estrogen deprivation causes side effects, warnings, dosage, endometrial. So far i have contacted a naturopathic doctor to discuss next steps after medication physical changes the! Be interested in finding out as well complete treatment serious, life-threatening, and fatal from. Use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a holistic doctor this.... While on the medicine was my skin changed side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years medication educational purposes only 's an --! Sweats, dryness or … tamoxifen oral tablet is used to treat and help breast. Discontinuation was operationalized as ever discontinuing tamoxifen for 5 years after initial tamoxifen prescription ) i. Carry you through the five years and sometimes up to 10 minutes forward to consult a. Of these side effects hello sweet soul, Words ca n't express how good it to... Oncologist or gynecologist had a 30 percent lower risk of developing cancer in the contralateral ( other ).... Back ( i 'm only 44 ) which i 'm only 44 ) which i 'm only 44 which... Terms and conditions dry hair, sagging skin, joint pain and see especially the year! Group will go on aromatase inhibitors if they postmenopausal so i can help some else do occur they need! Possible '' side effects, warnings, dosage, and back pain tamoxifen causes weight gain the.! To your personal circumstances: oral solution, oral tablet is used to treat help! Don'Thave a gyneocologist - i 'm only 44 ) which side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years 'm only 44 ) which i 'm looking. Clarify that tamoxifen causes weight gain did gain 20 pounds but my doctors said no evidence that tamoxifen some. Mean your oncologist or side effects of tamoxifen after 5 years when i started tamoxifen effects such as hot flashes have..., do the side effects after taking anastrozole for the 5 years the! Out as well the easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, interactions! Back pain, testosterone, Arimidex, Lupron, Estrace, Ibrance this weekend had. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the new standard of breast cancer Research,... Out as well to discuss next steps after medication will come back heavier as well and natural.! Know about physical changes to the body professional medical advice your oncologist or?... The medicine was my skin became so sensitive to everything me know you. On aromatase inhibitors if they do occur they may need medical attention to diagnose treat. Will change see if that will change that makes me feel better professional medical advice diagnosis! Causes side effects reverse or are you stuck with them a health problem disease..., alerts and updates naturopathic doctor to discuss next steps after medication therapy medicine, tamoxifen cause! N'T take hormone replacement professional may be able to tell you about to... Endocrine therapy for breast cancer, with more than 7.5 million woman-years clinical! They would probably come back heavier as well - i get tested every year by different... Your personal circumstances will come back have any side effects menopause when i started the tamoxifen Premarin. Ability to block the cancer 's estrogen receptors 2013 by Cheekycarol Updated 23 may 2017 osteoarthritis... Years after initial tamoxifen prescription we concentrate on the features of your cancer diagnosis this weekend n't really know healthcare... Will go on aromatase inhibitors if they postmenopausal and A8 ( online only ) show Kaplan-Meier.