<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Dear List:
My current toxic reaction to a cancer drug prompts me to urge you to get
a knowledgeable, supportive GI specialist before you need one, in case
you find yourself in a situation similar to mine.

I am experiencing a celiac-like response to tamoxifen.   After just one
pill I had a severe attack like that of accidental gluten
ingestion--large herpes infection, canker sores, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, gas, bloating, the whole nine yards.

After4  days of suffering I checked in with the manufacturer of the drug
(Zeneca, 1-800-456-3669), who assured me the drug is lactose and gluten
free, and offered to test 20 tablets from my batch. (I have sent in the
pills, for which they will reimburse me, plus mailing costs.)

My GI person (newly found, after the cancer diagnosis) informs me of the
possibility of a hormone-type reaction to this drug, since it acts like
estrogen. It is not a toxic response, but one involving the motility of
the gut--i.e., the amount  and timing of its activity.  He suggests
desensitizing the system by starting gradually; he will monitor the
increments.  It may be necessary to take something to counteract the
side-effects of the drug.

This brings up the utter necessity of having a good GI person to consult
in case of serious other illness.  I checked with his office about
getting referrals to GI specialists all over the world who trained at
the Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC (a recognized center for GI disease). You
may call 212-241-4299 to request a referral, as they said, all over the
world.  These are really good people.

I am so grateful for all the help I continue to receive from this list.
I hope this information helps someone.

Nancy in nyc