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About Nigel Simmons
Expertise
I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience
Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients
Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > tamoxifen
Expert: Nigel Simmons
Date: 2/21/2008
Subject: tamoxifen
Question
what is the likely effect of being administered with tamoxifen
when one's liver is failing , ascites is present, liver metastases have grown and tamoxifen has already caused hypercalcemia and been discontinued for some months ?
would it damage the liver further ?
Answer
Edwin
As the following extract from the UK product specification shows, liver problems are a possible side effect of tamoxifen. Given that there are already problems with liver function, it will be difficult to assess whether tamoxifen would add to them.
>>Nolvadex has been associated with changes in liver enzyme levels and on rare occasions with a spectrum of more severe liver abnormalities including fatty liver, cholestasis and hepatitis.
Rarely, elevation of serum triglyceride levels, in some cases with pancreatitis, may be associated with the use of Nolvadex.<<
The symptoms you describe are not encouraging, so it may be that the tamoxifen has been considered as a form of palliative treatment because any form of aggressive therapy may not be managed by the failing liver.
My suggestion would be to discuss your fears and concerns with the specialist and get a fuller understanding of the rationale behind the decision.
I hope this helps.
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