Tamoxifen Side Effects Linked to Diabetes Risk in Women: Study
The estrogen-inhibiting side effects of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen may increase a woman’s risk of diabetes, according to the findings of new research.
In a study published by the medical journal Cancer, Canadian researchers found an increased rate of diabetes among breast cancer survivors who were given tamoxifen.
Researchers looked at medical data on more than 14,000 women ages 65 and up who had undergone breast cancer treatment. They found that 10% of those women were diagnosed with diabetes and that women treated with tamoxifen were at a 24% higher risk of being diagnosed.
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Learn MoreWhile the study did not indicate a causal link between side effects of Tamoxifen and diabetes, the researchers said their findings suggest the medication may increase the susceptibility of women who were already likely to develop diabetes.
Tamoxifen was first approved by the FDA in 1971 for the treatment of breast cancer. Originally developed by AstraZeneca under the brand name Nolvadex, it is now sold under a variety of brand names, including Istubal and Valodex, and is also sold as a generic. Tamoxifen works by inhibiting the development of estrogen, which is believed to stimulate the spread of breast cancer. As of 2004, it was the largest selling hormone-based breast cancer treatment drug in the world.
The findings come following a February 2010 study in which Dutch researchers found that tamoxifen hampers cognitive abilities. A study in the British Medical Journal at about the same time found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Paxil, can interfere with tamoxifen, reducing or completely mitigating the breast cancer drug’s effects. SSRIs are often prescribed to breast cancer patients to combat depression.
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BarbaraJuly 6, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Tamoxifen has been prescribed for me as a PREVENTIVE to breast cancer. I'm diabetic and have been on this drug for 2 months. It has increased my blood sugar levels, it has affected my taste buds and my cognitive mental and mood behavior. But worst has been 3 full-fledged vaginal yeast infections. Anyone having this issue. How do I deal with it?
LisaMarch 18, 2013 at 12:57 pm
In 2006 I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer I had a lumpectomy along with chem and radiation ,My Oncologist put me on tamoxifen and i was later about four and hald years of taking the drug and let me remind you having blood work tests done from time to time .i was told I was had developed Type 2 diabetes. I dont understand if my count was getting high why i wasnt told before the fact . so [Show More]In 2006 I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer I had a lumpectomy along with chem and radiation ,My Oncologist put me on tamoxifen and i was later about four and hald years of taking the drug and let me remind you having blood work tests done from time to time .i was told I was had developed Type 2 diabetes. I dont understand if my count was getting high why i wasnt told before the fact . so because of this I am now taking meds to control type 2 diabetes for the rest of my life .
ChrisitneMarch 31, 2012 at 10:50 pm
I was diagnosed with DCIS in May 2011. After having a lumpectomy and completing radiation my oncologist was advising me strongly to take Tamoxifen. I was border line diabetic and had cholesterol problems but had them under control with diet and medication. After taking Tamoxifen for 2 months, my primary care doctor took me off of it because my cholesterol and triglycerides were so out of contro[Show More]I was diagnosed with DCIS in May 2011. After having a lumpectomy and completing radiation my oncologist was advising me strongly to take Tamoxifen. I was border line diabetic and had cholesterol problems but had them under control with diet and medication. After taking Tamoxifen for 2 months, my primary care doctor took me off of it because my cholesterol and triglycerides were so out of control. Not to mention the other side effects. Now I am taking 3 cholesterol meds, insulin and metformin. I had blood work done during the time I was taking Tamoxifen, and 1xmonth, until my doctor said no more you have to go on something stronger. I wish that I had stuck to my guns when I said I didn't want to take Tamoxifen. Needless to say I am not seeing that Oncologist any more.
EvaMarch 25, 2012 at 3:28 am
I was diagnosed with LCIS in 10/11, I had a lumpectomy on 12/6/11...It was benign...however, the metion of TAMOXIFIN by the surgeon who I have been seeing suggested it as a preventative drug..I have been researching for months, going to two oncologists who are (or one seems) very hyper to start me on the Tamoxifin...But I am so depressed and do not want to do do this...I just want to be monitored[Show More]I was diagnosed with LCIS in 10/11, I had a lumpectomy on 12/6/11...It was benign...however, the metion of TAMOXIFIN by the surgeon who I have been seeing suggested it as a preventative drug..I have been researching for months, going to two oncologists who are (or one seems) very hyper to start me on the Tamoxifin...But I am so depressed and do not want to do do this...I just want to be monitored...They did tell me that it is my decison to take the drug...I do not reallly understand the full benefits for taking this...One nurse practioner states, oh stop taking it immediately if you get any of the side effects like bleeding...No shit! Als, this dug prevents up to 50%...Half of the women in this world take it half do not because of the serious side effects...stroke, blood clots, uterine cancer...Now the above Type !! Daibetes...Are we all guine pigs for this drug!
VickieDecember 9, 2011 at 8:21 pm
In December 2003 after a routine mammogram, I received a diagnosis of atypical hyperplayzia (beginning stages of breast cancer). I underwent surgery of january 2004 to remove the lump and my surgen referred me to a research program for tamoxifen. I started the medication in May 2004 and was told I could come off the medication anytime I wanted to but was encougraged to stay on it "to get the fu[Show More]In December 2003 after a routine mammogram, I received a diagnosis of atypical hyperplayzia (beginning stages of breast cancer). I underwent surgery of january 2004 to remove the lump and my surgen referred me to a research program for tamoxifen. I started the medication in May 2004 and was told I could come off the medication anytime I wanted to but was encougraged to stay on it "to get the full benefit of the medication" as I was classified as being high risk for developing full blow breast cancer. I followed their recommendations and stayed on the medication 5 years. While on the medicaqtion I had extensive weight gain , HORRIBLE hot flashes problems sleeping, and problems with concentration. Not one time was I advised that taking the tamoxifen would increase my risk of developing type 2 Diabetes as well as the risk of developing cervical cancer. (luckly all of my paps have come back negative). When I came off the medication I started having problems with gaining more weight, being totally exhausted all the time, having more problems with concentration and not sleeping. I went to an internist to see what could be causing these problems. She did blood work and found that I had developed hypothyrodisim, and type 2 diabetes along with a fatty liver. All of these conditions had developed since stopping the tamoxifen and found out any one of these conditions are life threatening alone not to mention together. I had to start taking medication for increased doses of metformin and glipizise for the diabetes to help control it as well as synthyroid to control my thryoid. Also the medication for the diabetes along with the diet I now have to follow is to heal my liver. As of right now my diabetes, hypothyroid and fatty liver are pretty much under control but is still an ongoing battle. I am also still dealing with not sleeping and with having bouts of depression. I did not have any of these problems until I started taking tamoxifen and then came off of it. If I could have it to do over I would not take the Tamoxifen.
DarlaOctober 13, 2011 at 7:50 pm
After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2004, I went through chemo, radiation and then breast removal. I elected to have reconstructive surgery once the initial masectomy had healed and underwent several phases of reconstruction. During this time I was given Tamoxifen as a drug to prevent reoccurrence of cancer. Not one mention of the possibility of diabetes or any other side effects. The only thin[Show More]After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2004, I went through chemo, radiation and then breast removal. I elected to have reconstructive surgery once the initial masectomy had healed and underwent several phases of reconstruction. During this time I was given Tamoxifen as a drug to prevent reoccurrence of cancer. Not one mention of the possibility of diabetes or any other side effects. The only things that were mentioned had to do with all the positives that this drug did including increased bone density (Which it did). I was also taking Zoloft for depression during this time. Unfortunately, I have developed Type 2 diabetes and the problems with cognitive thinking were prominant during the 5 years I took the drug.