Anastrozole experience: Any tips for managing side effects?

Thank you!

I like half cranberry juice and half 7-Up.

I had a reduction done the same time I had a mastectomy. Started on Anastrozole 4 months later. After about 2 months taking Anastrozole the breast I had the reduction done on has keloids and was sore to touch. It has been almost 2 years and I am still sore too touch and have sharp pains sometimes in that breast. I am taking the anastrozole every other day.

Would like to hear from women taking anastrozole and the side effects they are having and at what stage they appeared.

It takes up to 6wks for the medication to build up in your body and then several months to get used to it.

If you scroll up to the upper left of your comment, where it says breast cancer, click on that then use that search to search anastrazole it will pop up a ton of active comments, and discussions about this drug.
I hope you can try to remember that a lot of us take this drug with little to no trouble. The folks who comment the most on these groups are the ones needing support and advice, not necessarily the majority of folks taking these medicines.
I had some side effects related to early loss of estrogen since I was in my 30s when I was diagnosed. I didn’t have any side effects more serious than truly annoying.
How long have you been taking anastrazole?

@tonysmom, I moved your question about dealing with side effects of anastrozole (Arimidex) to this existing discussion:
- Anastrozole experience: Any tips for managing side effects?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anastrozole-experience/
See all related discussions using search here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=+anastrozole+side+effects#discussion-listview

@tonysmom, when did you start anastrozole? What side effects are you managing?

There are usually other options if your body doesn't tolerate Anastrozole well. I was on it for 2 months, then had so much joint pain and sleep loss I couldn't imagine continuing for 5-7 years. My type of cancer is best warded off with an AI inhibitor, so my oncologist switched me to Letrozole. After a couple of weeks, it's become pretty easy to tolerate. Less joint pain, more energy. Still losing sleep, but Melatonin helps. If this is early in your maintenance journey.....don't be shy about looking for the best option. Good luck!

I was fine on Anastrozole for first ten weeks or so ,just the odd hot flush. At about ten weeks so much back pain and bladder effects I could hardly walk. I’m a person to whom a five mile walk is just ‘ a little stroll ‘ usually. Advised by oncologist to take a break from it after four and a half months. Also given nuclear med scan as symptoms were so severe. Have recommenced three and half months ago currently not so much bone pain but really bad myalgia avian really impacting mobility. Also bad swings of mood and weepiness which it’s impossible to batten down. Hoping with perseverance that things will improve.Does Antone else have similar experiences and did this get better?

Hi! @reflector75 :

Yes, my body developed "reactions" to taking Anastrozole, because apparently my old body still needs hormones to function adequately. However, I decided to continue taking Anastrozole because my cancerous cells were ER95%+, PR+, and Her2-, and taking any AIs is the avenue for me to keep those hormone-fueled cancerous cells from popping up anywhere in my body:(. Fortunately for me, my excellent & kind-hearted PCP referred me to the "Cancer patients' rehab program" for me to strengthen my weakened back, muscles, bones, aching joints, etc., via persistent PT/OT sessions and gradually I function almost normally now. This is not an ideal process, but this is the journey we are in, that we simply need to strive forward.

Best wishes to you all for a healthier, happier year of 2025 with hope, love, and peace!