Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg

@malebreastcancer47
I have a oncotype score of 22. My oncologist preferred I take an AI with bone meds. I did go on an AI for a couple months which caused very achey joints and hairloss not to mention I found out I had osteoporosis. I was not
willing to take the bone
meds so she agreed to the 5 mg tamoxifen. I read about a study being done in Italy and though it is not completed the lower dose looks pretty promising. You should be able to google it and read more about it. There’s also a new med that’s set to be released later this year which is more effective than the meds they have now. I’m going to try that one once approved. It’s a very hard decision. I hope and pray that all of us find something that will work.

@marygb I had stage 1 breast cancer, 4 rounds of chemo and due to my oncotype dx score of 34, I was asked to take 20 mg Tamoxifen. After 1 yr, I could not handle the side effects and my oncology team, lowered the dose to 10 mg. They also said they are doing a study on LowTam or 5 mg however was told this is for an oncotype dx score of 15 or less.
They do not know how effective it is in preventing reoccurrence if 10mg or 5 mg is prescribed.

@marygb, lifestyle approaches for managing osteoporosis are really important. Sometimes lifestyle (diet, exercise, supplements) are not enough however. It is important to stay in communcations with your oncologist and endocrinologist when medications may be necessary to prevent spinal fractures or other serious effects of poor bone health.

Here's some info from Mayo Clinic to help inform your discussions:
- Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
- Osteoporosis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968

@billiemoore this is very interesting to me. I also opted for the 10 mgs Tam which I'm supposed to start next week. I didn't know it was considered a European dosage. I'm 72. Would love to hear about your side effects on 10 mg. I'm glad you're finding it tolerable. I am so hoping I can handle it! (And Happy Holidays!)

@pacentro I completely understand. It's definitely asking a lot for women our age to take a harsh medicine which is really only seeing as a preventive. I wish there were easier treatments.

I wasn’t willing to try 20mg because of my sensitivity to meds —said I would take European dosage, 10mg. I get some side effects but manageable and will be staying on 10mg indefinitely.

@jmab I am 78, and I am not taking anything. If I get a recurrence, I'll deal with it.

@marygb I agree that it's stressful! I'm 72 & I see online posts from women our age who choose not to take any meds. I'm starting 10 mg Tam next week. But if it makes me miserable, I'll definitely re-think it! Sending best wishes to you!

Hi jamb, no I didn’t. I can’t stand the thought of the side effects. There have been a couple studies on the 5 mg dose that appears to be just as effective. I don’t really know if it pertains to my situation. It’s very stressful.
marygb

@marygb I can't believe they don't have anything better either!
Did you try the Tam 10gm?