Been on Tamoxifen for 17 days, the last 5 days I seem to have the need to wee more often.
I’ve always had good bladder control, and can normally be out and about for several hours without the need to visit the toilet. I think, as a result of urinating so often, I’m starting to get a water infection (cloudy with slight odour). Something I’m not normally prone to and I do drink plenty of fluids.
The only other, very mild and brief side effects so far have been nausea and a couple of hot spells.
Does anyone else have or experienced frequent toilet visits on Tamoxifen? And if so, has it got better over time?
Thanks
Sal
hello
Yes! I have been on tamoxifen for 2 years now and I have to get up every hour during the night for wee! I go frequently during the day but it’s doesn’t bother me so much then. I thought for me it’s just getting older ! But did think it was related to medication
I feel for you
Sparkle x
Hello!
I too have just started Tamoxifen, just coming up for 3 weeks. I’ve also noticed an increased need to visit the toilet during the day. Normally not an issue but have been needing to wee a lot more frequently and would also say with more urgency!
What brand are you taking? My oncologist suggested sticking to one brand initially as people report different side effects dependent on brand. Idea would be to work through brands and find one with least amount of side effects. I’ve started on Wockhardt purely as that’s what came out on my first prescription.
I’m on Milpharm from hospital, but my new GP prescription is Crescent.
And I understand your comment about ‘urgency’.
To make it worse, I’m drinking more water because my urine has been cloudy and trying to curb a water infection. Thank goodness I’m at home, and have the privilege of a downstairs toilet!
Hoping this is short term, but after reading @sparkle0103 reply, it looks more long term. Yikes, and it’s only the beginning
Hi, I was on Tamoxifen for two years and I get this. I was up every night which wasn’t normal for me. When I mentioned it to my BC nurse her response was that it wasn’t a side affect of Tamoxifen and was probably a UTI. I don’t think it was and now I’ve switched to Letrozole I don’t have to get up at night any more.
I’ve been doing a bit more google research today using the term UTI rather than my description “water infection” and found quite a lot more about it. There are reports with Tamoxifen or AI causing UTI or urinary incontinence. Most of what I have read put it down to the changes to estrogen which can also happen after natural menopause. Very basically the estrogen affects the vagina (dryness, itching etc) and has a knock on effect to the urinary tract, which can cause UTI.
Having read that, I kind of understand the principle but surely it wouldn’t happen that quick? It’s barely three weeks since starting. Thank goodness I haven’t got to the incontinence point although the urges do come very quickly….oh god, what a thought, I’m only 50.
In all honesty this was not the type of side effect I was prepared for. I’m seeing “gynae” GP next week, and will ask her feedback and hope she has a magic answer.
X
After making a conscious effort to drink more (felt like a water barrel sloshing about) the cloudiness in my urine cleared after a few days, and the urgency has subsided. So managed to curb the infection without a visit to the GP. I’m going to keep up the effort to drink more fluids at regular intervals. Not a problem at home I already drink plenty, but my weakness is when I am out and about and I could go a few hours with out.
I am also trying pelvic floor exercises, which is harder than I first thought! After reading the feed back from the other lovely ladies, it seems like it might help in the long term as this could be an ongoing issue. I thought it was just a case of clenching your bottom but since discovered it’s not. For those that want to try, I read a useful article that suggested practice while urinating, to slow or stop the flow. That way you can literally see if your efforts are working, and you can feel when you are doing it right.
hello
