Hello everyone
I stopped taking Tamoxifen a few months ago, after 4 and a half years as it was having such significant effects on me. I am not saying don’t take it, as it is a marvellous drug, just be aware of the effects if may have
As we know, the professionals seem very reluctant to confirm these. However all I can go on is my own experience and I had REALLY elevated blood pressure (it is normally high but not alarmingly) and it came down 10 points within days of stopping Tamox. I have also had increasing levels of liver enazymes, to the extent that I was about to have a biopsy. The ALT level is supposed to be under 35. Mine was 280!!! I have now stopped Tamox and 6 months later it is 32 ie normal. The gastro specialist was amazed at this improvement.
I repeat, I am not saying don’t take it, just that it is worth having other regular checks such as BP and liver function along the way to see how you are coping with the meds.
best wishes to all xxx
Hi Lady Chatterbox
I remember you from previous chats a few years ago. I also have liver problems which I believe may be related to Tamoxifen. I had scans prior to treatment which showed me to be in perfect health apart from BC.I have decided to stay off Tamoxifen until I see my consultant next month to see if it makes any difference. I was never told that this could be a side effect.
Hi, not been on the site for a while. At the beginning of December i was jaundiced and had stomach pain which was aggravated by eating. I was an an unhealthy yellow colour and went to see GP. He did blood tests and when results came in I was admitted to hospital [discharged after 5 hours as further blood tests showed improvement]. I went for a scan and was told I had fatty liver. I go back to see consultant at end of January. I’ve been ok since, even after a few xmas meals. I’ve been doing a bit of research to try and find out why and found tamoxifen was linked to it. I started on Tamoxifen at the end of March 2013 and have had Crohns for several years and no mention of fatty liver before [and I’ve had plenty of tests in the past]. I also had gall bladder out last year. When I checked the leaflet that comes with tablets it states a side effect of:
An increase in liver enzymes or certain fats in the blood, or inflammation of the liver [which may cause yellowing of the skin], non-alcoholic steatohepatiats [fatty liver disease] and cirrhosis.
I’m taking leaflet to consultant appointment to see what he says and to see if he has spoken to my oncologist [I~ was discharged from her in August]
Hi Lady Chatterbox. Could you tell me what your symptoms were when your ALT was so high? I have pre existing fatty liver disease but the tamoxifen seems to have made it even worse. Thanks, Winnie