pre-menopausal - hormone therapy options

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  • Seashell49
    Seashell49 Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2008

    SIS Kimberly,

    Is there a test to see if we are metabolizing Tamox?  That would not be good to be taking it and it not be effective!?  I have read other threads where many are on Effexor (anti depress.) to help defer the nuisance of hot flashes?

    So many details! eeekkk!!!!

    Thanks :)

    Sue 

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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited March 2008

    Sue - Yes, there is a test called CYP2D6 which checks to see what level of metabolizer you are.  Many women are using Effexor because it doesn't interefere with Tamoxifen.  The SSRI class of anti-depressants are the ones that need to be avoided, if possible, and Effexor isn't an SSRI.

    I agree, too many details to know!  

    Cynthia 

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  • Seashell49
    Seashell49 Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2008

    Thank you for the info Cynthia!!  I have written the test name down so I can ask my Dr. about it.  I would imagine they routinely do this, but just in case?  Did I see you on the Rads thread?  Have you started Tamoxifen?  Hope you are doing well!!

    ~Sue

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  • SISKimberly
    SISKimberly Member Posts: 762
    edited March 2008

    Hey Sue,

    Seems Cynthia has answered your questions.  The test is not given routinely, so it is good that you're going to ask to have it done. No use taking something you can't metabolize. Good luck to you.

    SIS Kimberly 

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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited March 2008

    Sue - Kim is right and, unfortunately, the test isn't routinely done yet.  There are still some "bugs" to be worked out in how the results are interpreted and there are a few more alleles that need to be included in the test, so it hasn't become standard yet.  I've read that within 2 years it'll be available in kit form for drs to do in their offices, but that doesn't really help us.  I will probably ask for the test again this year.  When I first mentioned it last year, my onc wasn't even aware of it.  I'm not worried, though, because I'm pretty sure I'm a metabolizer.  I have hot flashes and some bone achiness, plus I take another med that uses the same pathway and get results from it.  I just want to have the test to be absolutely sure.

    I started taking it a week after I finished rads which was Oct 29th.  The mild side effects are nothing I can't live with.   

    Cynthia 

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