Question:
I cannot find an answer about the absorption of Tamoxifen after gastric by-pass.

My oncologist says he has never dealt with anyone having had gastric by-pass. I contacted the Susan B. Komen breast foundation and they didn't even know the answer to my question. I am from a very rural area. I mentioned maybe checking my blood levels to see if enough of the medication were in my system. The oncologist said there is no such test. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    — Julia B. (posted on January 24, 2004)

January 24, 2004
If anyone would know of research on how medication is absorbed post-op, I think it would be your surgeon - have you checked with him/her? I would think that the answer might depend a lot on if you're a proximal or distal bypass, as well. If the surgeon can't provide an answer, maybe you should ask your oncologist if it would be okay to crush the tablet before swallowing it to help it absorb more quickly, or something like that. Good luck. I hope that everything goes well for you.
   — K M.

January 24, 2004
I cannot answer that specific question, but I can tell you a few things. (I am a nurse practitioner). Most medication is absorbed in the small intestines, chances are you still have enought left that you should be fine. You need to be directing your question at a PharmD. You can check your local drug store and you may be lucky enough to have one or you can call the manufacturer of Tamoxifen. One of those two resources should be able to answer your question. Can you e-mail me with the answer? ~Keri
   — Kerijohnson

January 25, 2004
Hi Julie: Sorry I can't answer your question. I too had breast cancer and took tamoxifen for a while. Just wanted everyone to know that if you have ever taken tamoxifen you can no longer donate blood to the blood bank. I tried to shortly after I got better, and they said people with cancer had to wait five years. I went back after my five year anniversary and was told I was banned for life because of taking tamoxifen for two months. Bummer. The nurse said to check back that their guidelines do change from time to time. I wish I had known that ahead of time, and I wouldn't have taken it. It wasn't required, just suggested. Good luck in getting your answer. I agree with the first poster, I would think the bariatric surgeon would be the best person to ask. S
   — sherry hedgecock

January 26, 2004
I would ask the manufacturer of the drug. They should be able to answer you. I'm sure they have heard this question before, with so many more gastric bypass patients out there now.
   — Cindy R.