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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Gurnee, IL
March 30
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Has anyone taken a lower dose of tamoxifen, and is 20mg the usual dosage?

Yes, 20mg is the standard daily dose of tamoxifen for treating breast cancer. This is typically taken once a day, though sometimes a 40mg dose is split into two 20mg doses (morning and evening).

However, research has explored lower doses. A study Show Full Answer

Has anyone taken a lower dose of tamoxifen, and is 20mg the usual dosage?

Yes, 20mg is the standard daily dose of tamoxifen for treating breast cancer. This is typically taken once a day, though sometimes a 40mg dose is split into two 20mg doses (morning and evening).

However, research has explored lower doses. A study found that 5mg daily of tamoxifen was effective at preventing breast cancer recurrence in women with stage 0 breast cancer or high-risk breast tissue. This lower dose reduced the risk of recurrent or new breast cancer by 52 percent.

The lower dose also came with fewer side effects. Women taking 5mg experienced side effects similar to those taking a placebo - much less than what typically occurs with the standard 20mg dose. Side effects like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and muscle pain were significantly reduced.

It's important to note that this research focused on prevention and early-stage situations. If you're considering a different dose than what's prescribed, talk with your oncologist about whether a lower dose might be appropriate for your specific situation.

March 30

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