Can Tamoxifen cause loss of appetite?
I started taking tamoxifen in March and just over the past month have noticed I'm not as hungry as I normally would be on a daily basis. I've lost a few pounds because of this, and I don't need to lose any. Is loss of appetite and weight loss typical side effects? I am also on ibuprofen and pain meds (norco) for a chronic back condition. Perhaps that is causing the appetite change. Your thoughts? Any input is appreciated! Thank you ![]()
Comments
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Weight gain or loss is listed as one of the side effects on the prescribing literature. I've seen several women here who say they lost weight on it.
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Hi Heidi,
It does seem as though this is a common side effect of Tamoxifen.
You may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's pages on:
- Appetite Changes, for tips to help get your appetite back
- Weight Changes, for some more tips
- Eating to Maintain or Gain Weight, for diet suggestions
We hope this helps!
--The Mods
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I've been taking tamoxifen for a little over a year, and I, too, have lost my appetite. I have to force myself to eat. Nothing tastes right. Also, I have dry mouth and increased thirst; I feel crappy all the time (low mood, extreme fatigue); and my hands hurt like crazy. Spoke with my medical oncologist yesterday who suggested taking a four-week break from tamoxifen to see if I feel any better. That way, I'd know for sure whether it is indeed the culprit. She said her only fear is that I'm going to feel so much better that I won't want to go back on tamoxifen. That tells me something right there. After looking with my doctor at the longevity data, with and without tamoxifen, on the Cancer Math website, using my specific info (age at diagnosis, staging, size of tumor, lymph node involvement, etc.), the evidence to stay on it -- in my case -- isn't terribly compelling. I'm going to take the four-week break and see for myself.
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Hi donnlmp, I have dry mouth too, from tamoxifen. My dentist said it's typical. I use biotene products and ACT lozenges, and it takes the edge off.
I have also lost weight since starting tamoxifen, but I have also had a fair amount of tragedy pop up in my life, along with the anxiety that comes with it. So the weight loss may be from that. Appetite is definitely less though.
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