Tamoxifen and warfarin

Public Archive
1

Hi ladies,

I was diagnosed with Breast cancer last May and since then have had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherpy.

As I was pre-menopausal the plan for me was to start a 5 year course of Tamoxifen when the chemo finished, but unfortunatley I devolped a PE about a week after I completed my chemotherapy.

I started takingTamoxifen in January which I know can cause PE, but as I am also on the blood thining tablet warfarin for my PE, the haematologist was quite happy for me to continue as was I.

My problem is the PE has now cleared up and my oncologist wants to take me off the Wafrain and change me to Zoldex injections for 2 - 3 years with the addition of arimadex.

I know that Arimadex only works in post menopausal women which is what the Zolodex is meant to do to me, but as I was also told we wont know if it has done that for 18 months.

I am not happy to take that chance, as that in real term would mean no protection for that time I know there is no guarantee, but I am quite happy to stay on the warfarin with the tamoxifen for the next five years and continue to have my bloods checked regulary as I have done up to now.

Is there any women who found themself in the same situation, and therefore have or are curently on warfarin and Tamoxifen together who can help your comment would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all and take good care of yourselves

Iolitex

2

HI,
I had very similar experience. was on tamoxifen , underwent recon and wasn’t taken off the tamoxifen (apparently should have been due to risk of blood clots and major surgery). I had a PE as a consequence. However, I had had my ovaries removed (my choice) 8 mths earlier so I was then changed to Arimidex, which I have been on for 21/2 yrs. I was taking warfarin for a yr post PE. I often found good advice from pharmacists (my bloods were checked at a clinic run by a pharmacist) and he was great for advice. Not quite the same situation I know but hope it helps.
good luck, lol, anne XXX