Hi, not sure if anyone can help me, I am 2 years into taking Tamoxifen, I am hoping to go to Tanzania later this year and need to have all the usual jabs, yellow fever. hepatitus,cholera etc and take malaria tablets has anyone been through this process and was everything ok? thank you
I’m on Aromasin not Tamoxifen and I have been going on exotic holidays as often as I possibly can since finishing treatment. I have taken Malarone several times rather than other malaria tablets, as it seems to have fewer side effects and you take it for less time than some (but it is very expensive). Other jabs have all been ok (but I have not needed cholera)and have been done at my GP surgery so they know my medical history. I’m about to have a yellow fever jab for the first time and this has to be done in a travel clinic as my GP doesn’t do it. I will make sure they know about my treatment just in case. My oncologist knows all about my travels and is fine with it.
If you are having your jabs etc at your GP, I am sure he/she can advise you and you may want to mention it to your consultant so you are sure it’s ok for you. My GP also gives me antibiotics when I’m going somewhere remote, just in case of infected mosquito bites, to reduce the risk of lymphodema. Not sure if all doctors will do this, but it is worth asking.
Have a wonderful time. I haven’t been to Tanzania but it’s on my list! I’m just back from Russia and off to Kenya next.
Anne
Hi Hazel,
I went to South Africa on safari - just outside the Kruger National Park - in 2009 while on tamoxifen. I can’t remember now what jabs I had, but I remember taking Malarone with no problems. As Anne said, it’s expensive, but see if you can do a deal with a local pharmacy. I asked in Sainsburys how much they would be, then went to my local pharmacist and he did me a much better deal. As I am a regular there I think he sold them to me for little more than cost price.
My GP has also given me antibiotics to take travelling, just in case, as Anne said.
Enjoy your holiday. If you are doing a safari it will be wonderful. I’d love to go back and do it again.
Thank you for your help I will certainly be talking with my GP and the antibiotics is a great idea. Once again thank you