Forum Discussion
Hormone Treatments
After treatment I was on Tamoxifen for 8 months when I developed a DVT. I was switched to Arimidex but this made me feel sick, tired and sore so after 6 months I was switched back to Tamoxifen. Two months later I have another DVT. My doctor says that these are the only two alternatives as all other treatments have the same sort of ingredients. Does anyone know of any other options for me?
6 Replies
- I have a port for my Herceptin infusions. Three years ago a regular heart scan showed a clot under the port. I have been injecting Clexane every day since then. I was on Arimidex for six years and 12mths ago this was changed to Exemestane. I find that when others share their experiences it often clarifies mine.
- I started on Femara as I could not take Tamoxifen due to DVT history. During the eight months on Femara I had really bad joint pain/aches in back and hands. My doctor switched me to Tamoxifen and the improvement has been amazing - hand aches are gone, still get back twinges and this increases to aches in cold weather (am enjoying the summer) but all is doable. As my doctor explained in plain english - same active ingredients but slightly different make up of tablets which can sometimes make the difference. Just past 3 yrs on this medication. I do take curcumin and glucosamine suppliments daily which i believe also helps me with joint pain.
Hope this helps - Thanks everyone. I will discuss with my GP and breast surgeon. Fermara has the same active ingredient as Arimidex so probably wont be much good for me. It might be an option to take Tamoxifen with a blood thinner. Appreciate your comments and your taking the time to offer your experience.
- I'm on Femara and Xarelto (I think one of two others on the network are on Xarelto too). No real issues with Xarelto, my cardiologist has mentioned the side benefit with DVT in regards to overseas travel, which I enjoy. It isn't as easy as Warfarin to come on and off though.
- Is an option for you to stay on blood thinners such as warfarin as well as the Arimidex or Tamoxifen if no other option is available? I've been on warfarin for around twenty years now due to an autoimmune condition (antiphospholipid antigen syndrome). I've had pulmonary embolisms as well as a number of dvt's even while on the warfarin, but now my INR range has been increased, and so far so good. I've been on letroxole for the last year and a half with no further problems with clots.
- Hi! There are different types about however perhaps your type is limited however this is a link to the BCNA information on Hormone Therapy - within is a link to a booklet - hope that helps you with research
BTW I have been on Tamoxifen, Femara and now Aromasin
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy/
Take care
