[Wellness] Tamoxifen question

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

NOTE: Jeanann I'm sorry this took so long but I was away.  I will add you to
the list ASAP Until then I thought I would send this to the list for you:

Good mornning all.  A new member Jeanann has asked a question that I can not
answer so I'll direct it on to you.  She has  been on Tamoxifen since Dec
2003 and is looking for info on how to successfully curb vaginal dischange.
Hope someone out there can help her.

I have included an email from the archives where I did a lot of research on
Tamoxifen for Robin.  Hope you find something that helps.

I have been on tamoxifin for two and a half years and am getting joint
pain--is this a side effect or just age?

Robin,

Here is some info I think you will find both interesting and helpful.
Thanks for contacting Womens-Wellness.  I would love to have you subscribe
to the list and get the benefit of other women's experiences.  Just sign up
at http://www.womens-wellness.com/discussion.html#Subscribe

while researching questions I came across this page which offers a
great deal of information on tamoxifen.  If you are considering this
treatment option you really should spend some time on this page.  Knowledge
is patient power.

http://qualitycounts.com/drugs/breast_cancer/nolvadex_tamoxifen.htm

This study questions tamoxifen's link to uterine cancer:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9804/30/tamoxifen/

Another study:

http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/studtamuttum.html

http://www.breastcancer.org/cmty_trans_2002_5_23.html


http://www.komen.org/bci/bhealth/html/tamoxifen.asp

http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/info/tamoxifen.htm

http://www.nolvadex.com/black_box.asp?url=http://www.breastcancerprofessiona
l.com/

Does tamoxifen cause eye problems?
As women age, they are more likely to develop cataracts (a clouding of the
lens inside the eye). Women taking tamoxifen appear to be at increased risk
for developing cataracts. Other eye problems, such as corneal scarring or
retinal changes, have been reported in a few patients


Cataracts or other eye problems: Though rare, tamoxifen has been shown to
cause cataracts (loss of clearness in the lens of the eye) or minor damage
in the cornea and retina. Approximately 25 of every 1000 women on tamoxifen
developed cataracts in the NSABP’s Breast Cancer Prevention Trial compared
to approximately 22 of every 1000 women who took a placebo (inactive pill)
Women who take tamoxifen should receive annual eye exams and report any eye
problems to their physicians.

In 1993, the NSABP began a study to examine whether tamoxifen had any
negative effects on the eye. This study was done in response to reports that
linked tamoxifen use to eye toxicities. One study conducted in Greece
reported tiny crystals in the retina and macular edema causing a decrease in
visual acuity.

The NSABP study did not find the kinds of problems (macular edema, corneal
scarring, large numbers of crystals or vision loss) that were reported by
other investigators. However, they did discover a few other important
findings. The overall rate of cataracts was similar for the placebo and
tamoxifen groups (40% vs. 43%). However, more women taking tamoxifen had a
particular type of cataract than women who did not take tamoxifen. This
relatively uncommon form of cataract is known as a posterior subcapsular
opacity and was observed in 2.5% of the placebo group and in 9.2% of the
tamoxifen group. People can develop this same type of cataract as part of
the normal aging process, but other medications such as steroids can lead to
similar changes. These cataracts are treatable with the same type of
outpatient surgery and intraocular lens implants that have been successful
for the treatment of all forms of cataracts

Well, I certainly have given you a lot of information.  I hope it doesn't
overwhelm you but you are facing a very important decision and need all the
info you can get.  Good luck and let me know what you decided and how it
works out for you,
My best,
Karen Patterson, Founder Womens-Wellness
Karen@womens-wellness.com



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