Did anyone get a rash on their chest and neck from tamoxifen?

Suzzi

I've been on tamoxifen for almost 2 months. The first month, I didn't have any side effects but the last few weeks i have had fatigue, moodiness, sometimes feel depressed. And most recently, I developed a pretty bad rash on my chest and neck. it itches. Two weeks ago, I called my oncologist and he told me to half the pills, but it's not helping.

Moderators

Hi Suzzi,

How frustrating to be having these reactions. They are indeed on this list of possible Tamoxifen Side Effects. You may need to make a follow up appointment if these symptoms persist. Also on this list are other medications to avoid while taking Tamoxifen, so you may want to cross check. Hang in there, and please keep us posted.

The Mods

Lula73

I did! MO said to take one of the 24 hr antihistamines, but not Benadryl as it cancels out the tamoxifen. I still had some breakthrough rashes a couple times a week even with the antihistamine on board. I used whatever was on sale: Xyxal, Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra. Vagisil cream works really fast and works really well for the itch. There is nothing in it that treats a yeast infection...it's literally 20% benzocaine (it will numb the itch) and skin moisturizers/soothers. Name brand and Walmart brand rubbed in well, target brand not so much. I keep a tube in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and car. Works great for bug bites too. It's possible the rash is caused by the fillers in the tablet, so you can try switching brand/manufacturer and see if it helps. Curcumin can help with the pains you're experiencing (I take Solgar brand brand due to its higher bioavailability and it lasts 24 hours). Taking anti-estrogens can cause depression/anxiety/irritability. Anti-depressants no help tremendously. Just make sure it's one of the ones that does not cancel out the tamoxifen. I hope this helps!

californiateri

I haven't had it on my chest, but I do have a rash on the back of the calves on both legs.  A couple of the spots are crusty like Eczema.  I've been using Cortisone crème on them, which helps some, but the itching wakes me up at night sometimes.  I've been on Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) since the 21st of March.   I take Allegra (generic form) everyday for allergies, but it doesn't seem to do anything for the itching.  My skin all over my body has become very dry, which I think adds to the itchiness.  Eucerine lotion does help to some extent.

star2017

I broke out into hives regularly for the first three weeks or so. Hives popped up everywhere, sometimes arms, sometimes torso, sometimes legs. I was unbearably itchy at times. It eventually stopped. I was also getting radiation at the same time.