Hi, can you please clarify for me, is it safe to take menopause supplements alongside Tamoxifen? I finished treatment back in February 21.
But suffering with body aches & fatigue …
Regards Liz x
Hi Bethbee
Thanks for posting.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural and can help with symptoms of the menopause and fatigue.
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. 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.
Do speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. Your specialist may recommend that you avoid, or stop taking, herbs or supplements as some of these may affect hormone treatments such as tamoxifen
Tell your specialist about any supplements you’re taking or considering taking, including:
- vitamin and mineral supplements
- herbal remedies (some herbs may have anticoagulant (blood thinning) properties)
- any treatments that are bought over the counter or online
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
Julie
Breast Care Nurse
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