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Advice on tamoxifen and leg cramps?

Page last modified on: September 11, 2008
Question from Rachel: Leg cramps frequently wake me up during the night. I am on tamoxifen and understand that causes the cramps. I drink tonic water to no avail. Any suggestions?
Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: This symptom you're dealing with requires an individual evaluation by your doctor because there are a number of things that can contribute to leg cramps. It may be from a significant change in the chemical balance in your body. It may be due to hormonal changes resulting from tamoxifen. If the leg cramps are due to tamoxifen, your doctor is likely to be able to help. Sometimes leg agitation can be a side-effect of medication. Leg cramps that occur while walking, or sometimes at night, can signal blood vessel problems.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Taking Care of Yourself. Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about exercise and nutrition, and other things you can do to nurture your body, along with strategies for finding emotional support, boosting your mood, and feeling good again.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D.Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. is a member of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where she is director of the prevention center.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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