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side effects tamoxifen

maddie50 profile image
4 Replies

I have been on tamoxifen for 7 and a half years now but for some reason for the last 4-5 years I get lots of UTI’s which are unpleasant and painful. My GP and oncologist say it is not related to tamoxifen but I wonder if it is as it blocks the estrogen and decreased estrogen can lead to bladder and vaginal problems. For this reason I am considering coming off now to see if it makes a differences.

Has anyone else experienced these symptoms or agrees that there is a link here. Thanks 🙏

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maddie50
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Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

I think - and I’m no expert - that Tam could well have this effect. I haven’t taken it (I was post menopausal when diagnosed with BC so I was on a different sort of tablet, anastrazole.)

But whilst I was in peri and menopause I had a lot of UTI’s and don’t now.

If I were in your position I’d phone MacMillan for their view - or there might be something on their website. Also, don’t come off Tam without a thorough discussion with your onco.

There might be something about this on the website of NICE (National institute for clinical evidence). It would be a real trawl through but might get you somewhere.

maddie50 profile image
maddie50 in reply toHappyrosie

Hiya and thanks for your reply. I was like you post menopausal when I got BC and managed anastrazole for 2 years until I got very bad UTI’s so changed to tamoxifen. No UTI’s for at least 6 months then gradually it started returning. That’s why I think it is related. I shall contact macmillan and also look at the NICE website. Thanks so much for recommending this. 😁

PeepBo profile image
PeepBo

Like you I was on tamoxifen and amongst other side effects started to suffer from UTIs. Took it for 3 years and finally after seeing a female registrar was changed to Anastrozole. Within 2 weeks all symptoms disappeared. Do not just stop but do try to persuade your oncologist to change the drugs. Good luck.

maddie50 profile image
maddie50 in reply toPeepBo

Thanks for your reply. Funny I took anastrazole for first 2 years and started to get terrible UTI’s that’s why I changed to tamoxifen. I will chat to oncology about it before I come off. Thanks so much. 🤗

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