Risk for New Jersey Women Using Breast Cancer Drug And Antidepressants

According to a recently released study by Medco Health Solutions, women in New Jersey who use Tamoxifen in addition to certain antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, experience up to double the risk of breast cancer recurrence. These antidepressants are part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Researchers were already aware that SSRIs chemically block the activation of Tamoxifen. Close to one-third of women who use Tamoxifen also take an antidepressant. The antidepressants are used to treat depression and hot flashes in women who are taking Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is widely used to reduce the recurrence of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. It is one of the oldest such breast cancer treatments. Women taking Tamoxifen and SSRIs should talk with their doctors "to ensure they are getting the full benefit of their Tamoxifen therapy."