I tried different aromatase inhibitors and different manufacturers. I finally stayed with brand name Femara (letrozole) thought after 4 1/2 years I did find a generic I could tolerate- too late! I did feel safer with the brand name anyway.

After 5 years we can do the Breast Cancer Index test which shows whether there is any benefit to extended meds and tells us risk. I was high risk but no benefit to extended meds so I could feel okay about stopping. I originally thought I would do 7-10 years.

For those suffering horrible side effects, doing as much as you can tolerate after trying different ones and different manufacturers/brand name, makes a lot of sense. There may be modalities that help (my PT does massage) or supplements so it might be worth seeing a holistic provider but I understand that for some, nothing makes these drugs worthwhile.

I have been on bone meds for almost three years and those have been harder to tolerate, much harder, than letrozole. Our bodies are all so different. I do think some side effects with AI's may ease up after the first 6 months- at least in my experience.