1. < Breast Cancer

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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whr | @whr | Oct 12, 2021
In reply to @windyshores "Some meds do reverse bone loss/ Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity. I had osteoporosis even before my..." + (show)
@windyshores

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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Without side effects?

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2 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 12, 2021
In reply to @whr "Without side effects?" + (show)
@whr

Without side effects?

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My side effects were minimal. I took brand name because I am sensitive to fillers. My doc told me I could to Femara alternate days and the company says even 20% dose is effective so you can always reduce dose, but I didn't need to.

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whr | @whr | Oct 12, 2021

You are fortunate. I am usually the 2-5% of people that reacts to virtually everything. I need to do a dexa bone density scan before I make a decision. Thanks.

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whr | @whr | Oct 12, 2021

Femara is the same as Letrozole? I thought you were talking about a med for bone loss.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 12, 2021
In reply to @whr "Without side effects?" + (show)
@whr

Without side effects?

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I have zero side effects from my bone strengthener.

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1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @auntieoakley "I have zero side effects from my bone strengthener." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I have zero side effects from my bone strengthener.

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@auntieoakley - what is your bone strengthener?

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @sequoia "@auntieoakley - what is your bone strengthener?" + (show)
@sequoia

@auntieoakley - what is your bone strengthener?

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Zometa, I prehydrate and make sure flush kidneys after, I have no side effect. I used to be on prolia, and I didn’t have any side effects from that either.

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1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @auntieoakley "Zometa, I prehydrate and make sure flush kidneys after, I have no side effect. I used..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Zometa, I prehydrate and make sure flush kidneys after, I have no side effect. I used to be on prolia, and I didn’t have any side effects from that either.

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@auntieoakley I’m on Zometa also. I’ve had one infusion. I got confused as I just thought of Zometa as slowing osteoporosis not strengthening. Why did you stop Prolia? Just curious. My oncologist said Zometa is like, Boniva (?) what Sally Fields advertised years back, on steroids. Guess he thinks it’s pretty good. How many treatments have you had? I have not, I don’t think, any side effects.

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @sequoia "@auntieoakley I’m on Zometa also. I’ve had one infusion. I got confused as I just thought..." + (show)
@sequoia

@auntieoakley I’m on Zometa also. I’ve had one infusion. I got confused as I just thought of Zometa as slowing osteoporosis not strengthening. Why did you stop Prolia? Just curious. My oncologist said Zometa is like, Boniva (?) what Sally Fields advertised years back, on steroids. Guess he thinks it’s pretty good. How many treatments have you had? I have not, I don’t think, any side effects.

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The prolia was not enough for me anymore as things change, medications sometimes have to change. I have had 4 treatments now, I had a break for a while when the pandemic came. Good thing too, because I had to have a tooth pulled. Talk about timing. Lol

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olg1 | @olg1 | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @jeaniebean "I ended up having to go off of all of them. I had radiation and 6..." + (show)
@jeaniebean

I ended up having to go off of all of them. I had radiation and 6 months of pills..... that was it. I now am following a starchivore diet and I feel so much better. I put my cancer in the hands of God, as suggested by my onco when I asked if there was anything else I could do. She told me no, just pray. I feel more confident in prayer than I do on the cancer system.... Good luck on your journey. My goal is to live as many years as those on the drug!

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All things are possible with a God and strong faith,much better than the cancer system

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