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Did you gain weight on Tamoxifen? What helps?

Posted by creeder @creeder, Jan 15, 2022

I have been placed on a low dosage of Tamoxifen and I have noticed a considerable weight gain in my midsection. It almost makes me depressed as I am being more cautious with my food intake as well as completing 60 minutes of exercise at a fitness center daily. It is so frustrating to see no results! The scale seems to keep going up with no regard to increased healthy habits. Has anyone else had this problem and will it level off soon or continually get worse. Is it worth it????

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carriedibbs | @carriedibbs | Aug 27, 2023
In reply to @jgallagher04921 "I know everyone reacts to meds differently, but would like to take a poll please. From..." + (show)
@jgallagher04921

I know everyone reacts to meds differently, but would like to take a poll please. From what you have experienced or been told from drs which meds are worst for weight gain...Tamoxifen or AI's?

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I am about to go on Arimidex. I am borderline obese and have concerns about whether I can lose weight on this drug. I'd appreciate any feedback on your experience. Thanks.

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Aug 27, 2023
In reply to @carriedibbs "I am about to go on Arimidex. I am borderline obese and have concerns about whether..." + (show)
@carriedibbs

I am about to go on Arimidex. I am borderline obese and have concerns about whether I can lose weight on this drug. I'd appreciate any feedback on your experience. Thanks.

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Hello @carriedibbs I did actually lose a little weight on arimidex (Anastrazole). There is another conversation where others are talking about this.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weight-gain-5/
Have you talked to your doctor about this concern?

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7318 | @7318 | Oct 11, 2023

On Tamoxifen for 3 months So many SE’s Stopped now for 3 months Finally feeling a little better To see oncologist this month I asked for prescription for Tamoxifen 5mg a day by a different drug manufacturer Haven’t started yet So concerned if I will be able to tolerate drug I was diagnosed in Jan of 2023 at 80 years of age Had partial mastectomy and no radiation.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma MRI Neg for lymph nodes and Neg in other breast

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renunciate | @renunciate | Oct 12, 2023
In reply to @angelat "Thank you so much for you kind words. They really mean a lot! I was offered..." + (show)
@angelat

Thank you so much for you kind words. They really mean a lot! I was offered no other option than to try 5 mg everyday. For every side effect my oncologist had another medication like hydrocortisone for itching, or a prescription for what was the start of a UTI, but these side effects could be ongoing and I’m just not sure I want to do deal with this. It’s so overwhelming! I see her in August and will discuss further. Thanks again☺️

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Have you considered Raloxifene instead of tamoxifen? Im wondering about it for my own treatment and would love to hear your opinions about it.

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7318 | @7318 | Oct 12, 2023
In reply to @daisy1282022 "I took Tamoxifen about 2 months, then I developed hot flashes, sweats day and night, swelling..." + (show)
@daisy1282022

I took Tamoxifen about 2 months, then I developed hot flashes, sweats day and night, swelling of the eyes, leg and foot cramps, etc.. I decided to stop Tamoxifen about three weeks ago, my side effects are still persistent now. I should not follow my onco's suggestion, she convinced me with lowest dosage 5mg per day, and stop any time when I feel side effects. Now I have to wait to see how long the side effects will go away.

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When I stopped Tamoxifen after 3 months on drug it took 3months for me to finally start feeling better still not 100% Still have Tamoxifen belly
I haven’t started the 5mg of Tanoxifin yet I see Oncologist next week to discuss treatment

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7318 | @7318 | Oct 12, 2023
In reply to @renunciate "Have you considered Raloxifene instead of tamoxifen? Im wondering about it for my own treatment and..." + (show)
@renunciate

Have you considered Raloxifene instead of tamoxifen? Im wondering about it for my own treatment and would love to hear your opinions about it.

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I will discuss this drug with him I believe he mentioned this drug but said it had same S/E’s
The joint and bone pain is very hard to deal with But the sheer exhaustion is so debilitating
Thank you

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daisy1282022 | @daisy1282022 | Oct 12, 2023

About 4.5 months since I stopped Tamoxifen, all side effects are gone except eyelids swelling still bothering me. My gained weight came off too lately. I switch to another oncologist, I felt she understood me better. I will have annual MRI to compare with my 6 months MRI results in December. Keep my fingers crossed.

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sue417 | @sue417 | Jan 1 12:03pm

Hi
Wondering if anyone on tamoxifen has had issues with weight gain. Or other side effects

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3 replies
Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Jan 1 3:31pm
In reply to @sue417 "Hi Wondering if anyone on tamoxifen has had issues with weight gain. Or other side effects" + (show)
@sue417

Hi
Wondering if anyone on tamoxifen has had issues with weight gain. Or other side effects

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I’ve been on tamoxifen for 14 months and have not gained weight. But I have been cautious with my eating to try to not gain weight. But I’m not dieting.
I’m 69 yo and weight gain may be different for someone younger.

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sue417 | @sue417 | Jan 1 4:22pm
In reply to @sue417 "Hi Wondering if anyone on tamoxifen has had issues with weight gain. Or other side effects" + (show)
@sue417

Hi
Wondering if anyone on tamoxifen has had issues with weight gain. Or other side effects

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Hi
That's good to know. I am 65. Do you Do 20mg.

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