Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Foot Cramps
Question: I have been taking Evista for three years and I continue to have leg and foot cramps every night. The physician who prescribed this for me has moved away. She felt that it was good to take this for my thin bones and the fact that my mother had died of breast cancer at 39. I am 73, but I am active. I play tennis several times a week and have no other known problems. I have added calcium, vitamin D, potassium and magnesium to my diet, yet the cramps continue.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The decision whether to continue or not Evista must be made by weighing the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis against the side effects, which are not only the cramps you describe, but also an increased risk of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Regarding the issue of osteoporosis I do not believe that Evista should be used as a first line treatment as there are more suitable options such as bisphosphonate group of drugs which are more commonly used.
There remains the risk of breast cancer. Your mother's history does make you more at risk, but if the only factor that risk is not that high and alone I would not consider it a sufficient indication. There are of course other factors which should be considered such as having the BRCA mutation, age of first menstruation, first birth, other family members etc (may check this risk score http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ ). If are not known to have BRCA mutation and no other family members with breast cancer apart from your mother, I would say the risk is really low and Evista is not necessary.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The decision whether to continue or not Evista must be made by weighing the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis against the side effects, which are not only the cramps you describe, but also an increased risk of venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke.
Regarding the issue of osteoporosis I do not believe that Evista should be used as a first line treatment as there are more suitable options such as bisphosphonate group of drugs which are more commonly used.
There remains the risk of breast cancer. Your mother's history does make you more at risk, but if the only factor that risk is not that high and alone I would not consider it a sufficient indication. There are of course other factors which should be considered such as having the BRCA mutation, age of first menstruation, first birth, other family members etc (may check this risk score http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/ ). If are not known to have BRCA mutation and no other family members with breast cancer apart from your mother, I would say the risk is really low and Evista is not necessary.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If I decide to stop the Evista, do I simply quit taking it? How soon could I begin taking a bisphosphonate drug and which one is recommended from tests and lack of side effects?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes if you decide to stop Evista you can simply quit taking it.
As for when to start taking a bisphosphonate drug, you can start taking it right-away (depending on your osteoporosis test results, might not need it at all).
Regarding which one to choose they are more or less similar belonging to the same group. Most used are alendronate (brand name in most countries is Fosamax) or ibandronate (Boniva). Boniva has the advantage of having also an injectable form for those who have stomach issues (an injection every 3 months). Also the oral form of Boniva can be taken only once a month as opposed to once a week for Fosamax (though once a week can hardly be called too frequent I guess).
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes if you decide to stop Evista you can simply quit taking it.
As for when to start taking a bisphosphonate drug, you can start taking it right-away (depending on your osteoporosis test results, might not need it at all).
Regarding which one to choose they are more or less similar belonging to the same group. Most used are alendronate (brand name in most countries is Fosamax) or ibandronate (Boniva). Boniva has the advantage of having also an injectable form for those who have stomach issues (an injection every 3 months). Also the oral form of Boniva can be taken only once a month as opposed to once a week for Fosamax (though once a week can hardly be called too frequent I guess).
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
