Hello, anyone got any tips for these aching limbs. I’ve been on Tomoxifen for a month and I’ve developed this. Does it go off?
Has anyone else had experience of this and how did you deal with it?
1 Like
Hi nutmeg1
This is very common when you first start. I remember when I started on Tamoxifen 3 years ago I was so stiff and in pain I couldn’t get over a style out walking my dog.
Please don’t worry too much, do hang on in there as things will almost certainly get better. Keep moving even if it hurts, push on through.
It’s also really helpful to discuss with your pharmacist about trying a different brand every month and see how you feel. Some brands are easier than others and nobody seems to know why. This really was a thing for me.
Once your system gets used to it, give it 4-6 months, hopefully you will feel better. It’s well worth taking the course as prescribed to help prevent a recurrence. You will read about some people having really bad experiences, but the majority of people manage on it very well. Just concentrate on yourself and don’t be put off taking it.
Good luck.
3 Likes
Hi I’m on Letrozole and find that taking Magnesium helps . I take 150mg twice daily . There is also a Facebook support group
called women’s ( breast) cancer endocrine support group x
2 Likes
Thank you for such a heartening post.
I shall take your advice 
Many thanks. I didn’t know but I’ll definitely look that up.
Hello nutmeg 1
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re asking for help with aching limbs from tamoxifen and if the pain will subside.
We hear from many people who experience joint and muscle pain as a result of taking tamoxifen. For most, as @Frances55 says, this will usually ease as time goes on.
We also know this can affect quality of life, so it’s important to let your breast care nurse or treatment team know how you’re feeling.
Regular pain relief and regular exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming may help to relieve pain and joint stiffness for some people. Physiotherapy can be helpful in some cases, and you can discuss this with your GP or treatment team who can refer you if appropriate. Others find that, as @edna says, taking supplements or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, can help. Keeping to a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on joints. Our information about healthy eating after breast cancer may be useful.
It’s important to ask your treatment team if these options are appropriate for you.
Do also contact your treatment team if the pain does not improve, as they are best placed to assess your symptoms and to help you manage your symptoms and treatment options
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You’re welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
We will be closed on Wednesday 18 June for our staff conference.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re currently evaluating this service. If you’d like to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.