Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg

I am not sure I believe it has only 1% difference - could a Mayo Onocologist please make a comment.

I am also a very small woman, 5’2, 105 lbs. I took Anastrozole for about 5 months. It appeared that I had an allergic reaction to the Anastrozole. I broke out in severe hives that wouldn’t go away and I needed to be put on course of steroids for relief. My oncologist started me on tamoxifen,10 mg. after the hives cleared up with the cortisone. My pills are also 20 mg. and I cut them in half with a pill cutter.

But even worst than hives, with both medications I’ve had some nasty memory loss and cognitive function issues. After some research, I have found many scholarly medical research articles concerning cognitive function/memory loss as a result of estrogen reducing medications. I spoke to my oncologist about these side effects at my last appt. in early May. She took me off all estrogen lowering meds to see how I would be affected. It’s a night and day difference!! I am certain my memory loss was due to the Anastrozole and then also when she put me on Tomoxifin. For me, Estrogen does seem play a role in cognitive ability. My husband, friends, and co-workers now say I’m pretty much back to my old self again. I see my oncologist, next week for a routine visit. We’ll see where we go from there. But I really don’t want to go back on meds. that cause me to not be able to think straight!

My oncologist has tried me Tamoxifen, Femera and Arimidex. All have had severe side effects. He said they only make 1 % difference if tolerated so have chosen a better quality of life than those horrible tablets

@lisman1408 - We love you too!!

Oh my gosh!!! Thank you all for confirming that I’m not the only one who thought she was going crazy and sliding into dementia. So glad for this forum that we have support from one another! I love you all!!!!

@trixie1313 - I thought I was going into dementia on the Arimidex. Had an appointment for testing when I came across this Forum. Best thing that’s happened in the last couple years. Not only am I not in dementia but I found out I’m not the only one having fake heart attacks . . . This Forum is a blessing. Hugs to you❤️

@trixie1313 - You are an amazing woman! That’s all I wanna say ❤️

@lisman1408
I had very bad memory loss with the anastrozole as well and had a 3-week break off of it and have not found the memory problems with letrozole (Femara). I had been tried in the past with cholesterol-lowering medications, i.e. statins, and found memory loss and muscle weakness with those so do not take those anymore.

I am also a very small woman, 5’2, 105 lbs. I took Anastrozole for about 5 months. It appeared that I had an allergic reaction to the Anastrozole. I broke out in severe hives that wouldn’t go away and I needed to be put on course of steroids for relief. My oncologist started me on tamoxifen,10 mg. after the hives cleared up with the cortisone. My pills are also 20 mg. and I cut them in half with a pill cutter.

But even worst than hives, with both medications I’ve had some nasty memory loss and cognitive function issues. After some research, I have found many scholarly medical research articles concerning cognitive function/memory loss as a result of estrogen reducing medications. I spoke to my oncologist about these side effects at my last appt. in early May. She took me off all estrogen lowering meds to see how I would be affected. It’s a night and day difference!! I am certain my memory loss was due to the Anastrozole and then also when she put me on Tomoxifin. For me, Estrogen does seem play a role in cognitive ability. My husband, friends, and co-workers now say I’m pretty much back to my old self again. I see my oncologist, next week for a routine visit. We’ll see where we go from there. But I really don’t want to go back on meds. that cause me to not be able to think straight!