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Tamoxifen causes water retention? Remedies?

Page last modified on: October 13, 2008
Question from Syd31: I have been taking tamoxifen for 3 months now. Is water retention an effect of this, and are there any natural ways to help this?
Answer —Patricia Ganz, M.D.: Water retention is not a known side effect of tamoxifen, but sometimes when women are perimenopausal, in the years just preceding menopause, they may have fluctuations in their salt and water retention which may be related to their ovarian function. Sometimes it may be helpful to use a mild diuretic to help if you are uncomfortable. You should discuss this with your doctor.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2007, the Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Ongoing MedicationsPatricia Ganz, M.D. and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about staying on track with breast cancer medications you have to take on a regular basis.


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

Patricia A. Ganz, M.D.Patricia A. Ganz, M.D. is a medical oncologist and a professor in the schools of medicine and public health at UCLA, and is director of the division of cancer prevention and control research at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center there.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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