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Ravenclaw's avatar
Ravenclaw
Member
10 years ago

Fitness to Drive because of Tamoxifen

I'm new to the blogging world. I have not until now needed to reach out for help but I am confused and annoyed at the moment and would appreciate some feedback and help maybe. 

When I moved from Queensland to Perth WA in 2012 I of course went to the Transport Department to change over my drivers licence and the registration of my car. I've had a licence for over 20 years now so I thought this would be a  straight forward process. When I filled out the paperwork at the time it asked me to list my medication, so I put Tamoxifen 20mg, 1 per day. I was immediately denied a WA licence until I had been to a GP and had a "Fitness to Drive" medical assessment. The paperwork was then sent back to the Transport Department and I was allowed a licence for 1 year. The next year same thing, off to the doctor he says I can see, my blood pressure is fine and I'm in good health. The paperwork is sent off and this time I get a 2 year licence. This year my new doctor has tried to get my licence renewal out to 5 years. As yet I haven't received my renewal and my licence is due to run out next week. So I am waiting to see what happens.

I have been in contact with Breast Care WA and they have looked into it and even been in contact with an Occupational Therapist at the Fiona Stanley Hospital and nobody, yep NOBODY has ever heard of anyone having to have a Medical Assessment to drive because they take Tamoxifen. I know I am not the only person in WA taking Tamoxifen, that's a given. 

So if anyone has any information on, or has come across this themselves I would really appreciate the feedback.

Thanks in advance

Live Love Laugh xoxo

7 Replies

  • Ravenclaw's avatar
    Ravenclaw
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi ya. I am also waiting for a response from the  Dept of Transport to an email enquiry I sent about Tamoxifen and driving. Will keep you posted. There are a HUGE amount of other drugs out there that would effect driving (a whole lot more than Tamoxifen) but if drivers aren't put on them at age 17 then in reality from then on you would never have to fill out another form with DOT. Everyone just gets there licence renewal, pays it and drives on. I won't be letting this go if I only get another 1 year renewal, that would be just ridiculous. Thanx for the support. Live Love Laugh Rowie xo

  • Ravenclaw's avatar
    Ravenclaw
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi ya, all I can say is (in a very soft whisper) maybe it would be a shame if you forgot to put your medication on any renewal paperwork if you happen to come across something like that ;-) I shall keep you all posted on my outcome. Thanx heaps from Rowie xo 

  • Ravenclaw's avatar
    Ravenclaw
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Trace, still waiting for my paperwork and a response to my information request from Dept of Transport. Shall keep you posted. Thanx for the cuddle I keep reminding myself to breathe and not hold onto the grrrrrr. I'm already lucky to be alive and for that I am grateful. Live Love Laugh Rowie xo

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    How ridiculous. This is clear discriminatuon in my opinion. What about all the other medications out there that could possibly cause drowsiness. I would seek advice from the cancer council. 

    Maryrose 

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Ravenclaw,

    That's the most bizarre thing I've heard. Also try ringing cancer council for advice.  I'm about to take tamoxifen and haven't heard of it effecting driving.  Sending you a big hug.

    Karen xx

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    You have to be kidding. I'm in trouble then part of job is I drive all day.

    What else can they do to piss us off. I hope you get your licence for 5 years.

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Hi Ravenclaw, WTF ? Never heard of that one before. I hope that your licence renewal paperwork comes through. I hope that you could take it to an ombudsman or equal rights commission or somewhere like that. Disgraceful behaviour. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????