heartburn/GERD from Tamoxifen

I had this for about the first month I was on Tamoxifen. Took a course of Omeprazole to relieve it. I really hope it doesn't come back at 18 months.

Hi Rah4264:

If you are experiencing GERD here are some interventiosn you can try: low fat diet, avoid alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages; avoid tobacco; and eliminate peppermint and spearmint since they stimulate gastric acid production. The peppermint tums may be adding to your discomfort. Sit-ups increase intra-abdominal pressure so try to find something where you are not bending at the waist especially if you are wearing restrictive clothing or have eaten within the last few hours. Sleep with your head elevated on several pillows or a wedge pillow. Trying these may mean a PPI can be avoided. You may want to see a GI specialist since reflux can damage the esophageal mucosa if it is not checked. Hope you get some relief.

Betrayal - thanks for the tips!

Oops, forgot to mention chocolate as an irritant as well. It is not only the fat content but it contains a chemical similar to caffeine. So if you must indulge, look for dark chocolate with a low fat content which means it can be very bitter and eat it sparingly. If you are taking OTC pain meds such as ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and aspirin, make sure to take them on a full stomach or with milk or a chunk of bread.

PPI's can be a necessary evil for some of us but the alternative of developing Barrett's esophagitis makes them a must for me. If OTC antacids are not working, please see a GI specialist. Hoarse speech can be a sign of reflux for some. I never experienced heartburn, just a gravelly voice that persisted and sent me to an ENT who then sent me to a GI specialist. Eternally grateful to him.

Georgia1, my GERD and SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth; closely connected to the GERD) came back with a vengeance when I went on Tamoxifen. I have abandoned Tamoxifen now because having these other issues was not tolerable to me.

I recommend the "Fast Tract Diet" by Dr. Norm Robillard. This doctor did so much research on GERD and the related ailments and put together a research-based program that really helps. It's really not a diet or even a strict program, just tons of information on what foods can cause flares and what can help. There's a book (called Fast Tract Diet) as well as a facebook group that contains tons of useful info. The main website is https://digestivehealthinstitute.org/fast-tract-diet/

Hoping you find relief!

The main concern I have is avoiding permanent damage. Also the concern about long term PPI use. If Tamoxifen wasn't such a long term treatment then I could manage this stuff, but years with a daily irritant is scary. I've also seen those on Al medication posting about GERD/stomach irritation so it's not just from SERM meds. Pain meds also contribute to problems for some people like me.

I've had 2 endoscopies and both times by the time I could get scheduled and had the procedure, the PPI medication healed my throat/stomach and everything looked normal. It's not a procedure you want to do often. I did get worried when I had my last PET/ct scan in November for melanoma and the throat/stomach irritation showed up on the scan.

Hi everyone, The subject line caught my attention. I recently posted this in the Ibrance thread:

I HAD issues with indigestion too, even before ibrance. Then I had to have my gallbladder out. After surgery I developed pancreatitis. I was released from hospital with terrible indigestion and was told I will probably need to be on a prilosec type drug for life. My research told me that's not good. My pharmacist said I could probably benefit from digestive enzymes. Smart guy. I haven't had an antacid except an occasional tums since I started enzymes. I dont even take those now unless I have pizza late. I would encourage trying those to anyone that isn't digesting cause it just makes sense. I would describe indigestion as a failure to digest food. Food just sits in your tummy. And a digestive enzymes by definition helps body digest food. Its a no brainer. Plus They wont hurt you like prilosec. I guess I didnt understand the antacid angle cause I never felt I had excess acid. I had no heartburn type pain. But then I'm not presently taking ibrance, so maybe. . . Good luck to all

edited to add: When I took letrezole for 3 1/2 years before I also had a good case of heartburn but gee I remember it starting before that with coffee! I'd be curious if anyone has luck trying a digestive enzyme. Note that this is not the same as probiotics. I used Nexium beforeand went cold turkey off that stuff when I used the digestive enzymes. 1 pill a day of 21st Century Brand. Never even finished the bottle. Sure hopes this helps alllll of you.

Gailmary