Nolvadex brand of Tamoxifen.

Nolvadex I kept getting different brands of Tamoxifen and spoke to the pharmicist in my local Boots, when I explained each brand was giving different side effects and I really did not want my last one repeating he advised that I had to get Nolvadex on my repeat prescription, otherwise I would continue to receive the cheapest tamoxifen each time. I took my repeat prescription back and asked the receptionist if I would need to see my GP and she said it should be fine, the next day my prescription was changed and it took Boots 24hrs to get my delivery.

I have not yet finished the first pack, but am sleeping slightly better and the dryness sems to be less severe. Still have the hips but working on that.

Debbie

prescribing practices Can PCTs forbid GPs from prescribing a brand name such as Nolvadex D? My pct is broke so refuses to prescribe Nolvadex. It cannot prescribe it privately as it is on the NHS list of available drugs so if I was prescribed it that would mean I need it - and therefore should get it on the NHS.

I have got a private prescription from my consultant for it but don’t yet know how much this will cost or whether it can continue.

I am stuck when the medics say there should be no difference between the generic and brand name tamoxifen and that anecdotal evidence is unreliable.

Does anyone know of any research to support the idea that Nolvadex has fewer or less intense side effects? I want to challenge the pct about this.

mmmm Yep - unfortunately all this info seems to be anecdotal, which does not help. But my Oncologist was adament. She said in her experience which she said was considerable, people who changed had fewer or less severe side effects.

It would be useful if people like her made more of a fuss about this.

Take care Oasis xx

Having read this thread prior to being prescribed Tamoxifen, I mentioned the issues that have been raised with there being less side effects with Nolvadex as opposed to a generic Tamoxifwen with my onc yesterday and he said that he had read a number of reports, that supported this and he was happy to specify Nolvedex on my prescription, however, he also warned me that as it was a more expensive drug, I may not be able to have this prescribed by my GP. I shall of course insist when my script is due.I shall let u know how I get on.

best wishes

Angela

Same boat Hi Angela,

Yep. I’m in the same boat as you - and shall also insist.

I spoke with my local pharmacist today and he said that he would get it for me as long as my GP did specify it. So I hope he does!

All the best Oasis

Side Effects. I posted on this thread on 19th March about being on tamoxifen since 7th March and having no side effects other than a few spots on my face.
Update…I’m still okay on tamox, no side effects and the spots have all gone. I know I might be among the lucky ones that don’t have any side effects but my onc seemed to think there was no difference with the drugs.
Michelle.

Nolvadex I’ve been reading all the posts on the forum with interest as I was diagnosed with bc Feb 19th. Had a mastectomy on March 22. Probably will ‘only’ need hormone therapy (although might have other breast removed as lots of LCIS in that one).

Following the threads on Tamoxifen with interest. I was given a private prescription on Tuesday for Tamoxifen, but since so many people have commented on different parts of the forum that Nolvadex seemed to cause them fewer side effects, I thought I’d go for that brand.

Luckily, if you have a private prescription, you can choose your brand, so I got the Nolvadex today. My GP is really nice so I’m sure she will be ok to continue that. The GP surgery said my GP has to specify a specific brand in order to get what you want. Just ‘Tamoxifen’ will get you a generic brand (so I was told).

My Nolvadex prescription today cost £13 something. I have a pre-paid certificate for national health prescriptions so don’t usually pay for them.

I’m very grateful my bc nurse told me about this forum. It’s been a wonderful source of info and comfort over the past several weeks. Thanks everyone!!

Bunnymum

For Daisies to read. Just moving this thread to the top for Daisies to read.
Michelle.