Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg

Posted by jeannie53 @jeannie53, Jun 25, 2019

I was on Anastrozole for 6 months my doctor switched me to Tamoxifen because of severe muscle pain. I was given 20mg of Tamoxifen is that the regular dosage every day. It also comes in 10mg. I saw a study that women were given 5mg each day by cutting the 10mg in half and was wondering if anyone has cut their dosage so it is better tolerated.

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@sparklegram

Thank you for your response, Buckimom. I hope you have a full recovery from this drug!

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@sparklegram - Thank you, Sparklegram and I hope you can find some relief or perhaps try something else. By the way, I believe I told you once before, I love your name!

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@buckimom

@sparklegram - Thank you, Sparklegram and I hope you can find some relief or perhaps try something else. By the way, I believe I told you once before, I love your name!

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Yes you did! Thanks. I just sent you a message.

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@buckimom

@100154 - i’ve has experience with Arimidex only. I was taken off of it last month, after 2 years, due to devastation to my joints and muscles. I’m not a candidate for Tamoxifin due to cardiac issues. I will not be trying any other “zole” medication & will be watched carefully.

A gal in this group posted info from her oncologist regarding percentages. I saved it and wii repost if permissible. Let me know.

All the best to you ❤️

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Thanks for your response, I really appreciate everyone's information. I referred the question to my onocologist, currently is out of the office - so maybe mid July for that response. But any of additional info would be great! Best to you, I have been on a AI for @ a year and a half and doing well. Concentrating hard on switching to a plant based diet and of course exercise!

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Hi all. New here. I started tamoxifen a month ago. 10mg. Half dose bc of long history of difficulties w meds and other conditions (migraines, erythromelalgia). I hate the side effects so far. They trigger my erythromelalgia flares and I’m walking around in a brain fog. Not sure how long to give it before I give up. 48 y/o.

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@kellyc14

Hi all. New here. I started tamoxifen a month ago. 10mg. Half dose bc of long history of difficulties w meds and other conditions (migraines, erythromelalgia). I hate the side effects so far. They trigger my erythromelalgia flares and I’m walking around in a brain fog. Not sure how long to give it before I give up. 48 y/o.

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Welcome, @kellyc14. It sounds like you have a history of sensitivity to medications. The side effects you're experiencing with Tamoxifen sound rough. Fingers crossed that the side effect ease up over time.

Do you take medication for your other conditions like erythromelalgia and migraines? Have you consulted with a pharmacist about drug interactions and symptom management?

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@colleenyoung, yes, I have a long history of sensitivities to meds. I’m taking a number of other meds for erythromelalgia, migraines, and other conditions. All of my specialists are looking out for interactions. No specific known interactions w tamoxifen, but my oncologist and neurologist had some concerns/expectations upfront on what side effects could be worse for me, just given what the typical side effects are and what my conditions are, coupled w what meds I take. Not to mention the ones I have taken over the years that have given me problems.
I’m ready to see what alternative might be better- messaged my dr through the portal this weekend. All of the wonderful ladies on her have given me hope that it’s worth some trial and error for something else.

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@lisalucier

Hi, @100154 - you asked about the comment in the post from @geronimo1 about an oncologist stating that tamoxifen, letrozole (Femara) and anastrozole (Arimidex) only make a 1% difference, if tolerated. We are not medical professionals on Mayo Clinic Connect and don't offer medical advice, but other members who have taken some of these medications can offer their input from their experiences. Glad you've connected with @cancersucks. Hoping that @buckimom @lisman1408 @trixie1313 @jeannie53 and others also will offer their thoughts.

Will you share any of your experiences with these medications, @100154, and how you feel they have gone for you?

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Yes my oncologist has shared that Tamoxifen and Letrozole , Anastrozole etc only improve risk by 1% to me. This is down to my treatment and my type of tumour. She has agreed that she would not worry too much if I stop taking them.Depends on the severity of the side effects. If you don't know the impact of your medications either do the PREDICT software or maybe ask your oncologist .

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@100154

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

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Yes it is true for some non estrogen based cancers, but depends on individual.

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