Aromatase Inhibitors: How to choose and manage side effects?

My diagnosis and treatment was similar to yours in April 2023. A year ago I started with Anastrozole. I lasted a week on it. Didn’t feel well and developed a rash. I was switched to Letrozole which I’ve been on for a year now, problem free. I’ve found taking it at night helps with the sleep issues I initially had. Few if any aches and pains, but I take a joint supplement and such to combat that. We moved recently, causing the small joints in my hands to flare up as well as my ankles due to all the packing and going up and down the stairs. It’s been a week and I’m slowly recovering. I was doubtful Letrozole would be any different from Anastrozole, but was pleasantly surprised to find I’m in the 50% who can tolerate it. I certainly understand your misgivings. In my case, I’m glad I gave it a shot!

Which one did you try? I have the brand name not a generic, but the hot flashes I hate and other little side effects like hip pain.

Hot flashes and joint pain— in my case r knee and hands— were some of my worst symptoms. I’m taking Anastrozole from my local CVS distributed by Aurobindo Pharma USA ofEast Windsor, NJ.
I have a rare hot flash on occasion ( less than once a month) but that’s it.
I think it’s the new formulation; my doc says it can also be my body adjusted after the 6 months of living with the side effects and misery. whatever I’m just grateful.

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

Switching manufacturers and then to brand name helped me. I know everyone is different! Which ones have you tried and what are you about to try?

I’ve tried Letrozole and anastrozole brand name. The Letrozole destroyed the ulner nerves in both arms after 3 weeks of taking it. The anastrozole made my joints hurt and the brain fog was unbearable. I’m really skeptical now about trying the 3rd one!
Did you find one to work for you?

Brand name letrozole worked for me. Certainly not without side effects. I found that walking more than 20 minutes helped. Up to 20 minutes I had a lot of pain but if I got up to or past 45 minutes I felt good. My onco said she had heard that from others. Not to minimize your pain which may make walking impossible.

I’m glad the letrozole is working for you! I am able to walk and do so every morning at twilight. I look forward to it even though it’s difficult sometimes.
Can I ask if you take the meds at night or in the morning? I heard someone else say that when she changed to taking it before bed was a game changer for her.
Have a good day!

I tried anastrozole- did not work. I am on exestamine- joint aches and sleep issue, went off for a bit but back on with less side effects… I also added seeing an acupuncturist ( she’s also a oncologist) which has helped the side effects - she also recommended some supplements. I also walk, healthy yoga and a breathing yoga which has really work! I am not joint ache free, but everything has helped. I’m 61 . I’m okay with my “new” normal.

@cherziggy I finished my letrozole. I took it in the morning...