Tamoxifen and AstraZeneca Vaccine

sumomo

I know there are various Covid vaccine related topics but I'd like to focus on Tamoxifen and AstraZeneca because both of them have side effects of blood clots. I understand this combination is considered safe "so far". I'm just concerned there might be no enough data yet because the vaccination was rolling out from higher age groups while the higher age group of us mostly take aromatase inhibitors, not Tamoxifen. I only know a couple of people who are on Tamoxifen and have already taken vaccines but all of them took Pfizer.

Does anybody know any info or experience with the combination of Tamoxifen and AZ vaccine? Thank you for sharing.

flashlight

The AZ covid vaccine is not approved for use in the US. I read where several countries have restricted people aged under 50 from receiving this vaccine. Europe, Canada, and Mexico have this vaccine. When you receive your vaccine appointment they will let you know what vaccine you will be receiving. I had the Pfizer without any issues.

Beesie

flashlight, I'm guessing that sumomo is in Canada.

sumomo, to my understanding, the specific blood clot that is a risk with the AZ vaccine is a very rare brain clot that is associated with low platelets. This is an unusual clot, different than 'normal' clots which more often would be associated with high platelets. I think this is why the AZ vaccine has not been contraindicated for people at risk for blood clots or even those who've had blood clots before.

As an FYI for Americans reading, this rare clot that appears to be associated with the AZ vaccine is the same clot that has shown up with the J&J vaccine. The AZ and J&J vaccines are very similar and use the same delivery mechanism, an adenovirus.

I'm not on Tamoxifen so my situation is not comparable - I'm on an AI. I had my AZ vaccine 4 weeks ago. No side effects except for a swollen underarm lymph node on the vaccination side.

sumomo

Thanks, flashlight and Beesie. I'm in Canada and not given a choice of which one to get. It is very good info, Beesie, that the blood clots are different from normal clots with too many platelets. I hope Tamoxifen side effects are in the normal side.

flashlight

Video to watch: From moderators

J&J COVID Vaccine and Blood Clots: What This Means for People With Breast Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control have recommended that use of the Johnson & Johnson-Janssen COVID-19 vaccine be paused because six cases of what's called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia have been diagnosed after people received the vaccine. Basically, a blot clot was found in the veins that drain blood from the brain, and the people also had very low levels of platelets, a type of cell that helps the blood to clot.

My daughter had the J&J vaccine without any issues. I'm sure you could wait for a different vaccine appointment to open up if you are worried about the AZ. Here, on some sites, you can sign up for the vaccine you want to receive. Most people requested the J&J.