Q. Now that quinine sulfate will no longer be available to control leg cramps, what do you suggest?
A. The FDA has determined that quinine is too dangerous for treating leg cramps. The drug can cause a life-threatening blood disorder in susceptible individuals. On June 13, there will be no further shipments of generic quinine.
Readers tell us that home remedies can sometimes substitute. Here is one testimonial:
“Several years ago my husband was suffering with severe leg cramps that would awaken him. Friends told us to put a bar of Ivory soap under the fitted sheet, near the legs. It worked like a miracle. He has not had a single cramp since. Don’t ask why it works, but it has been wonderful. We always travel with Ivory soap now so he will not suffer.”
We have written more about this leg cramp remedy and many others in our Guide to Leg Pain. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
