Tamoxifen help!!!

I'm really struggling with hot flushes 17 or 18 a day. I've heard that trying a different brand of Tamoxifen may help. Surely Tamoxifen is Tamoxifen and won't make any difference to my side effects. I've been taking it since the middle of August following two lots of surgery and radiotherapy. I'm new to the site so not sure how it works exactly but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

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    Hi Jackwat and welcome!!!   You are right that Tamoxifen is Tamoxifen - but it is the additives in the tablets that can make the flushes better or worse according to my oncologist and chemist. Believe me - trying different brands really works!  My chemist is lovely and at each 3-month prescription pick-up he would have a box of 3 different brands waiting. I was amazed at how the side-effects varied on each one. I am not saying that the flushes will go away, but I think you will find that you have a lot less on some brands.  Once you find a brand that suits, just stick with it.

    My oncologist also told me that - if the hot flushes persist regardless of the above - there is a very mild anti-depressant that can be prescribed which has proven to be very effective getting rid of the heats,so see how you go.

    Good luck!    x

  • Thank you so much. This has given me such hope! I also use the Ladycare magnets that have provided some relief. I've just made an appointment with my GP, so fingers crossed. X

  • Hi Jackwat, I am on Tamoxifen & have suffered with lots of hot flushes & drenching night sweats. I found splitting the dose over the day helps with the hot flushes, so I take 10mg in the morning & another 10mg early evening. I also have acupuncture (in both ears) which REALLY helps control the hot flushes. This treatment is free through Macmillan support at our hospital. Definitely worth a try before you embark on more drugs to control it, i.e mild anti-depressants,

    Best wishes.

  • Thanks for the advice. I've spoken to my pharmacist who has dispensed a different brand of tablet. This has made a significant difference. I think to split the dose it a brilliant idea and certainly something I'm going to try immediately. Thanks so much for your advice, I don't feel all doom and gloom anymore. X

  • Absolutely correct -if I changed brands of tamoxifen  my flushes would go through the roof - I've had to come off tamoxifen due to horrendous bleeding - now on zolidex & Anastrazole