Forum Discussion
tamoxifen side effects
I wouldn't mind some advice/support/hints on experiences and how you have dealt with tamoxifen side effects. I have been on it now for two months and am having headaches, nausea, very tired no matter how much sleep I get at night, some cramping around the ovaries and period pain like cramps... sounds like fun!
For 5 years!? how will I do it?
29 Replies
- Hmmmm, I wonder too then is the generic as effective or is it purely side effects. In 4yrs on tamoxifen I mostly had Genox hmmm and I got a recurrence, who knows. I also wonder then if it's the same for Arimidex I might look into it. X
- First thing the chemist asked was did I want generic brand Tamoxifen. I said heck no as I remembered reading on this forum some had trouble with generic. There is no need for generic anyway as Tamoxifen is on the pbs list.
- Wow, is it just me or does it sounds like we need to name and shame this generic Tamoxifen brand? That's 3 for 3 that it was a terrible experience and inconsistent with Tamoxifen. Whatever this is sounds like a totally different drug that shouldn't be being prescribed as a Tamoxifen substitute. That's terrifying.
Thank you all for the heads-up to keep a good supply around so no-one has to risk having to enduring that! - @iserbrown and @Mira, I also had an awful experience with a different brand of Tamoxifen. Within days of changing (my usual brand unavailable) I was bursting into tears for no reason and had aches and pains like I had never experienced on my usual brand. Apparently different brands can have different ingredients. The 'active' ingredient or medicine is the same, of course, but the things they mix in can be very different. There was another lady on here who developed a rash with a different brand too.
So I guess if you are having a lot of side effects, changing brands is worth a try. If you have one that seems to suit (I had almost no side effects most of the two years that I was on Tamoxifen) then stick to it! - Iserbrown thats awful!!!
- Yes I was seriously debilitated and I am normally tough as old boots! Nearly made me cry something I haven't done throughout.
- Oh thats interesting, ive never heard of that before. I do know generic brands go through rigorous testing and have to meet the FDA guidelines. Most are made in the same place as the brand of drug. I use both generic and brand but had no differrnce. I honestly thought it was only like buying a grocery item but like homebrand. Definitely interesting hearing others experiiences. X
- Yes so did I. For a time my brand wás unavailable. Now when I get asked about generic for any script I say no thanks. It was a horrid experience that I am not willing to do again!
Something I remembered today, there is one generic brand of Tamoxifen that gave me worse side effects. I cant remember what it was called but I remember that I had really bad joint pains on it.
- I honestly believe it depends where you are in terms of Menopause, I had no trouble with Tamoxifen and I was pre menopause and yes I have trouble on Arimidex but I believe its only because chemo through me into Menopause which has exaggerated alot of the sypmptoms. I certainly find ways to deal with the symptoms and pro active now with my exercise physiologist and its making a ton of difference. I still have 4yrs on Arimidex but can I say something?? this is a recurrence for me in 4yrs, Im not willing to NOT take one of these when I know the stats are really good, particularly for Arimidex...and added bonus I have 2 prolia injections a year for bones which strangely wards of BC as well. Im the first to admit yeah it is tough, Im drug sensitive allergic to narcotics, but really feel these meds are very manageable. :) Melinda xo
