Forum Discussion

Rom_Com's avatar
Rom_Com
Member
5 years ago

lactose free Tamoxifen???

I’m 54 years old, healthy, no real signs of menopause yet and still having regular periods. 
In July 2020 I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy for breast cancer and dcis. I’m now 9 days into my 5 years of Tamoxifen, I’ve started with the Sandoz brand and just discovered it has lactose in it. Apparently most do. I’m lactose intolerant, has anyone found a LF brand yet? 
I’ve also noticed there’s a huge difference in price, ranging from $16.95 - $36 depending on brand and chemist. 
Which brand do you use?
Which brand have people felt have less side effects?

3 Replies

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    5 years ago
    The amount of lactose in the tablet would be minuscule. I'm lactose intolerant...which doesn't mean an allergy, it just means you lack an enzyme to break down lactose. I try to avoid dairy but it isn't always possible as it's in many foods, cakes, biscuits etc. It's usually tolerated like that with other foods but a glass if milk would have me in the loo in a short time. 
    Anyhow, if you are worried, you can buy lacteeze tablets from a pharmacy which has the enzyme in it. I use them a lot when eating out as you never know everything that's in what you order.
  • msg132's avatar
    msg132
    Member
    5 years ago
    All the brands have Lactose, I take 2 lacteez with Tamoxifen. It seems to help
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    Sorry, can’t help as I am on Letrozole but that’s a bit of a problem isn’t it, when the medical advice is not to take it if you are lactose intolerant! I hope someone can advise more. 

    Price differences are often to do with particular brands or the deal a chemist chain has done with one particular supplier. Some people don’t experience any problem with different brands so shop around for the cheaper price, others find that the binders in both tamoxifen and letrozole brands can have an effect (and it can vary from person to person) so are willing to pay more for a specific brand.  The active medicinal ingredients are of course all the same. Best wishes.