Recently diagnosed gallstones after taking Tamoxifen .

Posted by colely @colely, Mar 30, 2023

My PCP couldn't figure out what could be causing my G. I. problems. I had an ultrasound yesterday. Surprise, surprise, surprise! "Western studies have found 30% incidence in gallstones in patients who are taking Tamoxifen. There is a proven significant association between the two."

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angepatri | @angepatri | Mar 31, 2023

And thus my resistance into starting this treatment. I had double mastectomy earlier this month after DCIS diagnosis. I’m recommended to be in this Tamoxifen and after reading pros and cons I’ve have yet to make a decision on this.
How long have you been on it?

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Mar 31, 2023

@colely
I took Tamoxifen briefly around 2000. Developed typical gallbladder symptoms. Had gallbladder out 1991. ERCP showed “ gravel “ in bile duct. Cleaned out. Stayed off Tamoxifen while traveling. All well until I started Tamoxifen again. Same thing happened. ERCP cleaned bile duct and enlarged opening. Never took it again.
However, since then I’m much more sensitive to many fats.

colely | @colely | Apr 1, 2023

In reply to @angepatri "And thus my resistance into starting this treatment. I had double mastectomy earlier this month after..." + (show)

I have been on it 3 years. I don't want to dissuade anyone from taking Tamoxifen, though. This side-effect was not included in my oncologist's list, along with mood swings. As a result, my doctor did not look for gallstones for a year.