Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

blue850 | @blue850 | Aug 23, 2021

In reply to @cerwin "I started Anastrazole 1mg several months ago. I didn’t have much of any side effects for..." + (show)

Thank you cerwin for sharing this information. I think I am already feeling more sluggish then normal, for past few days felt like taking a cat nap in the afternoon which has been quite some time since feeling that. Hopeful that part of it is an adjustment...hopeful. Thanks for the tip on the bloodwork. I was a bit surprised that providers in this area (Tampa Bay area of Florida) don't seem to feel more then the normal once a year on the bloodwork is necessary, whereas my old providers in New Jersey took blood work more frequently. But now that I am actually taking the Anastrozole, maybe that will change. I have a follow up with the prescriber in 3 months to see how I am tolerating it. Thank you for your prayers and good luck with your journey.

blue850 | @blue850 | Aug 23, 2021

In reply to @sandyrob "I have been on it for 2 months and have not noticed any side effects yet." + (show)

So nice to hear someone that hasn't had side effects! Hope that doesn't change for you. Thank you for sharing.

blue850 | @blue850 | Aug 23, 2021

In reply to @auntieoakley "I agree with quality of life vs years. My active lifestyle means mucking stalls, bucking hay,..." + (show)

Sounds like a labor of love 🙂 and one for a very strong lady at that. I did an equine therapy series a few years back and totally understand how working and just being around horses can be so therapeutic. And thanks for reminding me it is about time I look for a farm to visit around here.

bethab | @bethab | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @blue850 "Hello - Just joined the group here. Started Anastrozole less then a week ago and very..." + (show)

Hello, @blue850! I tried Anastrozole and within 3 days I started having side effects and by day 10 my oncologist took me off of them because the side effects were so bad. I purposely did not read the side effects before I started them so not to make any up in my head. 🙂 I definitely had side effects. It took 3 weeks to feel better. Then I tried Exemestane (sp). Same thing happened. Not quite as bad but I did develop a really bad rash along with the other side effects. I’m now waiting for 2 weeks to get that out of my system so I can try something else. I would rather not take anything but my chances of my cancer coming back is 25% and the hormone blockers will cut that in half, so I’m going to do my best and try all my options. Good luck with yours. I pray you don’t have any side effects and you breeze right through it! 💕

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @bethab "Hello, @blue850! I tried Anastrozole and within 3 days I started having side effects and by..." + (show)

Hang in there if you can, maybe the next one will be the winner.

nikki727 | @nikki727 | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @blue850 "Thank you cerwin for sharing this information. I think I am already feeling more sluggish then..." + (show)

Where do you go? I’m in the Tampa Bay Area also. I switched oncologists because I felt I wasn’t getting standard of care. I have MBC.

windyshores | @windyshores | Aug 24, 2021

I took Femara for 5 years and it wasn't bad at all- and I have bad reactions to many meds. Please don't decline an AI based on other people's experiences: at least try it. I had some hot flashes at first, and any joint pain went away with walking. You have to walk at least 45 minutes: things may hurt at first but by the end of the walk pain is gone. I had to go off at 5 years due to bones, but wish I could do 10 years.

blue850 | @blue850 | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @nikki727 "Where do you go? I’m in the Tampa Bay Area also. I switched oncologists because I..." + (show)

nikki727 extremely pleased with Dr. J. Andrew Peterson at Florida Cancer Specialists. Very caring and comprehensive, looks at the whole picture, open and very sharing of data/statistics. Had to wait a while to get an appointment but worth the wait.

blue850 | @blue850 | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @bethab "Hello, @blue850! I tried Anastrozole and within 3 days I started having side effects and by..." + (show)

Thank you @bethab . Sounds like it has been challenging for you and I wish you well with the next one you try. Hang in there! It has been 1 week for me and I would say mild side effects so far.