Should I stay on tamoxifen for 10 years?
For some women with breast cancer, taking adjuvant tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) for 10 years after primary treatment leads to a greater reduction in breast cancer recurrences and deaths than taking the drug for only 5 years, according to the results of a large international clinical trial.
What happens after 10 years of taking tamoxifen?
In rare cases, tamoxifen can cause dangerous blood clots. Tamoxifen also may increase the risk of endometrial cancer in some women. In this study, the researchers found that 10 years tamoxifen increased the risk of endometrial cancer compared to 5 years of tamoxifen.
Does tamoxifen increase life expectancy?
The authors conclude that tamoxifen use among postmenopausal women is associated with substantial life expectancy gains.
Can breast cancer return while taking tamoxifen?
While tamoxifen can lower the chance of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer coming back (as well as the risk of getting a second breast cancer), it can increase the risk of uterine cancer (endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma).
Can you have a break from tamoxifen?
If you experience side effects and decide to take a break from taking tamoxifen, it is likely that the side effects will reappear once you start taking the drug again. Menopausal-like symptoms are fairly common but are usually mild and disappear when tamoxifen is no longer taken.
What happens to your body when you stop taking tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen Side Effects Dissipate Tamoxifen is also known to cause potentially dangerous blood clots. However, by a median eight years after stopping treatment, women on tamoxifen were no more likely to have clots than those on a placebo. Similarly, tamoxifen increased the risk of uterine cancer during active treatment.
What happens when you come off tamoxifen after five years?
Does alcohol affect tamoxifen?
Alcohol can raise the risk of side effects with tamoxifen, some of which can be serious. Alcohol makes it harder for tamoxifen to work properly and should be limited or avoided while you’re taking this medication. Alcohol can raise your risk of developing breast cancer.
What are the signs that breast cancer has returned?
Signs and symptoms of local recurrence within the same breast may include:
- A new lump in your breast or irregular area of firmness.
- Changes to the skin of your breast.
- Skin inflammation or area of redness.
- Nipple discharge.
Does tamoxifen make you gain weight?
Even with all that fanfare, tamoxifen has been loosely associated with weight gain. Studies have tracked weight gain and other side effects of the drug for years. Some resources even list weight gain as a possible side effect.