1. < Breast Cancer

Taking a Lower Dose of Tamoxifen?

Posted by vivi1 @vivi1, Oct 6, 2021

Given the risk of endometrial cancer from tamoxifen, which apparently increases with dosage, length of use, and the age of the patient, is anyone taking a lower dose in order to extend adherence and soften side effects?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 18, 2021

Here is some great questions and a few answers for us or…… maybe our daughter and granddaughters. There is two threads I am posting this podcast.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/systemic-therapies-for-breast-cancer/

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margewhite | @margewhite | Oct 14, 2022

I started on 20 mg Tamoxifen and was extremely concerned about endometrial cancer since my mother died of that. I’m very low risk 90/10 over 10years. But ER positive so I said I give it a try. After 7 months I went to 10mg on my own and feel way better.

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2 replies
hjtkyhl | @hjtkyhl | Oct 15, 2022

In 2012, my dosage after L mastectomy, was 20mg, which I took for 27 mo ( was to be for 5 years), but I had so much pain, muscular and joint, that I stopped taking it ! My hematologist disagreed, but said I’d probably had the benefit from it in 27 months. I’d already had 2 knees and 1 hip replaced, so I KNEW joint pain! @hjtkyhl

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ngd | @ngd | Nov 9, 2023
In reply to @margewhite "I started on 20 mg Tamoxifen and was extremely concerned about endometrial cancer since my mother..." + (show)
@margewhite

I started on 20 mg Tamoxifen and was extremely concerned about endometrial cancer since my mother died of that. I’m very low risk 90/10 over 10years. But ER positive so I said I give it a try. After 7 months I went to 10mg on my own and feel way better.

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How are you doing so far with tamoxifen 10 mg?

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dick61 | @dick61 | Nov 10, 2023
In reply to @margewhite "I started on 20 mg Tamoxifen and was extremely concerned about endometrial cancer since my mother..." + (show)
@margewhite

I started on 20 mg Tamoxifen and was extremely concerned about endometrial cancer since my mother died of that. I’m very low risk 90/10 over 10years. But ER positive so I said I give it a try. After 7 months I went to 10mg on my own and feel way better.

Jump to this post

What symptoms went away when you decreased from 20 to 10???

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2paulette | @2paulette | Nov 11, 2023

yes. I am on 5 mg. no issues yet in 4 months.

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irenegoody52 | @irenegoody52 | 3 days ago
In reply to @vivi1 "I am certainly no doctor, but it could be a difference between pre and post menopausal..." + (show)
@vivi1

I am certainly no doctor, but it could be a difference between pre and post menopausal women. "Tamoxifen use may be extended to 10 years based on new data demonstrating additional benefit. Women taking tamoxifen should be informed about the risks of endometrial proliferation, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and uterine sarcomas, and any abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloody vaginal discharge, staining, or spotting should be investigated. Postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen should be closely monitored for symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer." (ACOG Number 601 (Replaces Committee Opinion Number 336, June 2006. Reaffirmed 2020) unable to enter link)
I am not thrilled with AI's because of their effect on bones and heart. I have osteopenia and high cholesterol and do not want to take other meds to counter side effects. There has to be a better way...eventually.

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Exactly how I feel. I don't have ovaries and have completely hysterectomy so am not worried about those issues at my age of 72.

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