Hello, I have several side effects of Tamoxifen and have read supplements can be helpful. However on further reading it would appear some supplements are either not good to take with Tamoxifen or can exacerbate breast cancer.
I would like to take Magnesium Bisglycinate to help with poor sleep. Also Biotin for hair thinning/ falling out and splitting nails.
Sleep is getting really bad and I don’t want to go down the route of sleeping pills. Would also like to take some vitamins to help boost immune system and health generally. Any advice would be very welcome, thank-you.
Katharine
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Hi
I took a long list to my oncology pharmacist to check when I started to take Tamoxifen. Clearly there are many different brands but I got the all clear on the main ones I wanted to continue with (some on your list)….
Magnesium (I can’t go to sleep without it, it calms me and my restless legs)
Biotin
Collagen
Vit c and zinc
Daily probiotic
Vit d and calcium
I hope this helps.
I am guessing you know you can’t take turmeric or anything to help with the menopause (st johns wort etc)?
Hi,
I use magnesium oil, you rub it onto your skin instead of taking more pills. I do make my own, look up online, but just water and magnesium salt. Rub it on before bed and it helps you sleep, stops me seizing up plus lots more.
Good luck. After over two years my side effects have really improved.
Hi - just jumping on here - also have had side effects with tamoxifen - night sweats and hot flushes are the worst (so relatively lucky!) - been taking sage - but someone has recommended Rheal products - does anybody have any experience of these?
Thank you!
Hello Katharine
Thanks for your post asking about the safety of taking supplements to treat side effects of tamoxifen and to boost your immune system.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements, as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins such as magnesium bisglycinate and biotin. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications. You may find that that some herbs have different names in America. You can also search herbal products and supplements on the European website Complementary and Alternative Medicine for cancer and on the American website Medicine Plus
As @JoolsM says, do speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements.
Having sleep disrupted can be distressing. There are strategies which may help, such as taking regular, gentle exercise each day. Reducing caffeine and alcohol, trying some relaxation techniques and avoiding looking at screens.
Again, do speak to your GP or breast care nurse or treatment team. They may be able to refer you for some talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can be helpful.
You could discuss your concerns around hair thinning with your hairdresser. Cancer Hair Care are a charity which may also be able to offer some tips to help you. The organisation Look Good Feel Better offer workshops on nail care and hair loss that you may be interested in.
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.
Do 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 more 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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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