Side Effects of Anastrozole - bone loss

Posted by cerwin @cerwin, Oct 2, 2021

I’ve been on Anastrozole 1mg for 6 months after right mastectomy for IDC. Has anyone had problems with thumb or finger joints? I researched “popping finger” and data say you need to wear a thumb brace for a month. I’m seeing my orthopedist next week.

My right thumb is the most painful. Left thumb pain and popping started about a week later, making me think the problem is systemic. Mayo doctors said to stop the endocrine therapy for 2 weeks to see if painful hand joints improve.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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Just started Tamoxifen 10 mg vs. prescribed20
How long does it take to feel any side effect from Tamoxifen? Thanks for reply!

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@monigue

Just started Tamoxifen 10 mg vs. prescribed20
How long does it take to feel any side effect from Tamoxifen? Thanks for reply!

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Everyone is different. Some ppl get side effects shortly after starting the med and others tolerate tamoxifen well. Just give yourself time and try not to focus on side effects that may or may not occur for you. Live yiu life as you do. Maybe exercise- walking is always good snd eat healthy. Drink plenty of water etc. Try and stay positive on terms of the tamoxifen and the benefits. I had taken tamoxifen years back fir 3 1/2 yrs without any side effects. I stopped it early if the 5 year protocol as it had started effecting my hair. My oncologist was ok w/ me stopping. Good luck.

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Thank you Sequola . I’m not good In walking too much . Healthy eating it is my priority.
Want to try the holistic integrated approach.
interesting if any body did
Will post my .

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@monigue

Thank you Sequola . I’m not good In walking too much . Healthy eating it is my priority.
Want to try the holistic integrated approach.
interesting if any body did
Will post my .

Jump to this post

Remember a ton of women take tamoxifen with very little to no side effects. They just don’t post a lot of comments. The folks who post are usually looking for help. I just had a conversation with a women I know who said she had hot flashes because of the lack of estrogen but nothing else. She is a fairly active woman who owns horses. She knows for herself, the benefits far outweigh the risks and she says she will deal with the long term effects if any, as they come.

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I am 74 and already have arthritis in one thumb joint, the other was replaced 8 years ago. So far I don't seem to have severe side effects from Anastrozole. Oncologist said if I don't have side effects in 2 months, I won't have them (except for possible bone loss). It's been 4 months. I do think some hair loss has started. As for joints, they were already bad so not sure if it's normal progression or what.

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@monigue

Thank you Sequola . I’m not good In walking too much . Healthy eating it is my priority.
Want to try the holistic integrated approach.
interesting if any body did
Will post my .

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Please let us know. I would be interested in this approach.

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@whr

It sounds like an exact description of what I encountered though it occurred later in the treatment. It was in my right thumb and left pinkie, I would wake during the night and have to manually "open" them. I also have carpal tunnel which is aggravated when I sleep. I have been off the med for six months now and it has taken that long to get rid of the severe joint pain and what they call "trigger" finger. I am left with osteoporosis, and other issues but sleep so much better, I am 76 and know it is a risk to discontinue it but I was a mess. The days are brighter now.

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i'm on EVISTA 60 mg. with Anastrozole, got 2 trigger fingers - had pointer operated on. better but, not as before.
Middle finger is a lot stiffer, some trigger, less flexible. Will have to have 2 surgeries to fix - one above and another under joint.
If i get another inkling of finger or any other problem - I will go off it.
Also, diarrheaaaaa - take imodium and marshmallows - but, dislike taking another drug to combat first drug!?

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@mari

i'm on EVISTA 60 mg. with Anastrozole, got 2 trigger fingers - had pointer operated on. better but, not as before.
Middle finger is a lot stiffer, some trigger, less flexible. Will have to have 2 surgeries to fix - one above and another under joint.
If i get another inkling of finger or any other problem - I will go off it.
Also, diarrheaaaaa - take imodium and marshmallows - but, dislike taking another drug to combat first drug!?

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I am so sorry, it is so painful, I am so grateful that mine disappeared after being off Anastrozole, along with the insomnia, joint pain, fatigue, it took six months to feel back to the point I was before surgery. Quite honestly, I knew that's where I was headed. The oncologist said "don't worry if you have bone loss we have a med for that, told her about the side effects, "they have a med for that" and suddenly you have a table full of pills. I also have been told that bone loss meds don't eliminate the bone loss but may help prevent further loss. I know my decision may be detrimental to my future but so were all the side effects. It wasn't intolerable at first but when I couldn't walk and hardly get out of bed due to joint pain, I couldn't continue, it took 18 months to get to that point and another six months to recover from it. Hopefully that is the end of your problems.

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I will probably make same decision. im going thru same as u. i'm so afraid of more finger problems !

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@whr

I am so sorry, it is so painful, I am so grateful that mine disappeared after being off Anastrozole, along with the insomnia, joint pain, fatigue, it took six months to feel back to the point I was before surgery. Quite honestly, I knew that's where I was headed. The oncologist said "don't worry if you have bone loss we have a med for that, told her about the side effects, "they have a med for that" and suddenly you have a table full of pills. I also have been told that bone loss meds don't eliminate the bone loss but may help prevent further loss. I know my decision may be detrimental to my future but so were all the side effects. It wasn't intolerable at first but when I couldn't walk and hardly get out of bed due to joint pain, I couldn't continue, it took 18 months to get to that point and another six months to recover from it. Hopefully that is the end of your problems.

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Some meds do reverse bone loss/ Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity. I had osteoporosis even before my 5 years of Femara. That is not a reason to avoid anastrazole or similar meds.

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