side effects tamoxifen

[maddie50]

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 🙏

[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 in reply to Happyrosie]

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]

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 in reply to PeepBo]

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. 🤗