Effects of coming off tamoxifen after 10 years

Hi, I came off tamoxlfen in July after 11 years, I’ve not had any of the many other side effects mentioned. I am 58 and tamoxifen through me into menopause at 46. Since coming off tamoxifen I feel permanently exhausted and have what I can only describe as brain fog, I can also burst into tears in a second at ridiculous things. I was wondering if anyone else has felt like this.

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  • Hi everyone 

    Im so so glad I found this post, I feel like I've been going mad the past few weeks. 
    I stopped taking tamoxifen on 29Jan21 after being on it for just over 4 years and I've been feeling completely out of sorts and I couldn't find any answers as to whether it was cause I stopped tamoxifen or not, I spoke with one of the breast care nurses who said she hadn't heard of any side effects when coming off tamoxifen so I thought I was going mad, but luckily I've found this post and other ladies that have experienced what I'm feeling & I feel like a weight ha been lifted.  
    Some of the things I'm experiencing are ....very emotional, crying at absolutely nothing, my body is aching especially my lower abdomen & back. My left breast where I had the lumpectomy is aching and I feel miserable and really tired all the time.  
    Are any of you feeling the same and how long does this last?? My poor husband doesn't know what to do  bless him. 

  • Hi everyone

    I'm 65 and came off of tamoxifen 6 weeks ago after taking it for 13yrs. I had no side effects whilst taking it but since stopping I have felt generally unwell, suffering from joint pain, fatigue and blurred vision.The problem is I started taking medication for type 2 diabetes the same week I stopped the tamoxifen and I'm unsure which is causing me the problems. I have decided to give it 3 months, to allow the tamoxifen to leave my body and the new tablets to settle before seeking advice from my gp. I feel like I've aged 20 yrs in the last few weeks and it's making me pretty miserable. The lockdown situation isn't helping, not being able to go out and about means i've had a lot more time to think about how unwell I feel. I'm just hoping things improve with time.

     

  • Hi, I am coming to the end of 10 years on tamoxifen, having had breast cancer in 2010. I've had night flushes, which improved overtime but no other side effects while I took it. Having read the previous posts I feel quite nervous about coming off it. 
     

    Did anyone stop taking it gradually or did you just stop? And has anyone that's had these side effects of withdrawal come through  the other side. It would be good to have some idea of a timescale. 
     

    We've all come a long way, well done everyone and I hope that you all feel better soon. Xx

  • I was advised to stop taking tamoxifen in February 2021 but I  feel quite nervous about stopping.  I feel it has protected me for 10 years.  I still have some left so I haven't actually stopped yet but decided today that I had taken the last one.

    Not had any real issues whilst taking tamoxifen but feel unsettled about finishing it altogether.

    is it normal to feel like this?

     

    it certainly has been a journey for us all, let's hope for a better 10 years ahead!

  • Hi Sogno, 

    yes I know how you feel. I think I felt the same when my hospital checks ended after 5 years. I have arranged a telephone chat with my GP to discuss how to finish. It's the final step on our journey! 
     

    I hope that it goes well for you. I guess if we do experience withdrawal side effects to contact our GP to see if anything can be done to help us through. 
     

    Wishing you well. X

  • Thanks so much

    Good luck and I'll post again to give update on coming off tamoxifen x

  • Yes please do. I'll do the same. 
     

    Take care x

  • Hi. I have just found this thread after searching about coming off of tamoxifen & wondered how you were getting on now?

    I have been on tamoxifen for almost 10 years & have had a few side effects but feel this is a small price to pay for the protection & peace of mind. 
     

    My oncologist advised me to stop taking the tablets in Oct 22, which will be 10 years. He said to just stop & I will be fine, no side effects. I was already worried about stopping them as they are a security blanket but I am even more nervous after reading some of the comments on here about so feeling poorly after. 
     

    Can I ask how you are getting on & how you have been since coming off? 
     

    Thanks x

  • Hi, it's been nearly a year now and I'm doing really well. I didn't get the awful side effects that I'd read about on this thread, for which I'm very grateful. I've had more achy joints this past year but think this is just normal. I am approaching 60 and there's a lot of arthritis in my family. I've made a concerted effort to lose weight and managed 1.5 stone. Though I have out on a few pounds over Christmas. But I try to eat a healthy diet and walk regularly. As I get older and especially now I'm not taking any medication,  I feel more of a responsibility to look after my health as best as I can. 
     

    If you do have any side effects don't be Afraid  to go back to your GP.  Don't focus too much on other peoples experience as it is different for everyone. I hope it all goes well for you and you continue to have good health.  

     

     

  • Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

    I am so happy you are doing so well & that you didn't get any of the withdrawal symptoms others have mentioned, it has made me feel a bit better. I think adjusting my diet will be good & I will try to remain active then hopefully I will be fine.

    All the best for 2022.

    Karen

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  • Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

    I am so happy you are doing so well & that you didn't get any of the withdrawal symptoms others have mentioned, it has made me feel a bit better. I think adjusting my diet will be good & I will try to remain active then hopefully I will be fine.

    All the best for 2022.

    Karen

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