Tamoxifen- best time to take?

Going through breast cancer treatment Hormone therapy
1

Hi all,
I’m new to the forum, diagnosed end of Feb. I’ve had a lumpectomy but didn’t get clear margins, but fortunately clear lymph nodes, and have been prescribed Tamoxifen to start now while I await mastectomy. Am putting it off a bit to be honest, bit scared after reading all the side effects posts on here! But have decided I need to get on with it and just wanted to ask people- when would you recommend taking it? Morning or evening? Does one seem better to limit side effects?
Thank you x

2

Hi Ames75  I’ve been on Anastrozole for nearly 8 weeks - simiilar sort of thing with what seems to be similar potential side-effects. I take mine just before bed so that a) the previous night’s dose will have weakened off so I am asleep before I get any insomnia (if you see what I mean) and b) if I got nauseous I wouldn’t know about it as I’d be asleep. So far this strategy has worked well for me but I don’t think it matters when you take it so long as it is more or less at the same time of day each day. I can relate to the putting it off thing - I did that too! All OK so far - we are all different and we don’t all get all of the side-effects, though I’d be surprised (and would feel VERY ucky) if we didn’t get at least some of them. Good luck with it and with the further surgery. If these little  b*gg*rs stop us getting a recurrence then it’ll be worth it. XXXX

3

Hi Ames,
I overthought it a lot before starting, until deciding I would start at the best time for me & take it from there. I take mine after breakfast & it’s been fine for me. I’m less likely to forget & it.
I’ve been fine on it with no problems, many women are. Understandably, those with problems will report it, so what is reported here is not necessarily the general experience, so try not to be too anxious about it, any side effects issues can always be dealt with later, If you have any.
I also write the day of the week on the blister pack with an indelible pen, as once I took a double dose by mistake & boy, did I know about it later!
ann x

4

Thank you, seems like good advice. Starting tonight then! Hope yours stays ok for you x

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Thanks Ann- indelible pen sounds like a plan. I already have brain fog before I’ve even started all this! X

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I will be starting on Tamoxifen soon, just want to know when is the best time to take to minimize the side effects?

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Ann, I take mine first thing in the morning, it’s on my bedside table so I don’t forget. I dont think I have any side effects now, though I do wonder about the effects I can’t see. I have an annual pelvic ultrasound to check on things, but so far so good.

I usually have the Teva brand, but I didn’t notice any difference when I got a different one.