Hi - recently in the swim portion when the water temp is below 60, I have been experiencing very severe leg cramps after about the first 800m; to the point where I literally have to "float" the rest of the way.  I have a swimming background and would occasionally experience leg cramps when I was younger.  My coach had me apply a vasodilator cream (OK - hemorrhoid cream!!) to my legs and it did the trick.  Essentially it makes the blood flow more centrally so stops the blood getting so chilled from being nearer to the skin.

My question is whether there is any potential negative effect on performance on the bike or run portions from use of such a medication.

Any input much appreciated.  Thanks.

Mark.