Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Thanks for info. I had no idea. I love learning new things so I can advocate for myself. Now a days you have to. Sounds like you are proactive in your health and are doing well and improving. Keep On Keeping On. 💪🏼

@luladavis do you know the name of the hormone shot that you receive along with anastrozole? It might be something very specific to your situation but I'd not heard of any hormone therapy along with anastrozole and am trying to learn as much as I can, being newly-diagnosed and comparing treatment options. Thanks in advance.

I forget where and who posted this, but someone mentioned doing great on a brand-name AI and later doing poorly (more and worse side effects) on the genetic version. Then switched back to the brand name and the negative side effects disappeared. That might be a more common situation than we realize. Has anyone else had this happen? I don't know much about generics except that they are not all of the same quality and are ranked by tier. If anyone has more information we could consider, please advise as I know there are a lot of diligent researchers on these boards. For which I am deeply grateful as a researcher myself by nature.

I am working through a decision on whether or not to take any aromatase inhibitors and leaning toward skipping them. I've posted about my decision tree variables on another forum here so will spare readers
my angst and decision tree variables. i have the genetic marker for heart disease and high cholesterol and cannot tolerate statins. My cardiologist is excellent so we address what we can otherwise control. Someone on this forum mentioned a study suggesting AIs and reduced function. Here's a mention of that study (see below). If anyone is concerned, one can take an Endopat test to establish a baseline. I took one as part of a panel of tests as endothelial function relates to stroke risk and other cardio issues. The Endopat is non-invasive, no blood work needed.

"Aromatase Inhibitors Linked to Reduced Endothelial Function
Nalley, Catlin
Oncology Times: February 10, 2017 - Volume 39 - Issue 3 "

I reacted to fillers in one brand of generic anastrazole and then ditto Femara. I took brand name Femara for 5 years at great expense. For my last month I tried a different generic and did fine so I could have saved all that money 🙂 In general I do well with any med made by TEVA but there are other brands that work for me too.

Always scary stuff to read when your journey taking a hormone blocker is just beginning. I’m a newbie taking Anastrozole (10 days in), so at this point I’m trying not to anticipate too much so I don’t make myself crazy in the process. I have my first bloodwork & followup on March 23rd, so until then I’m trying not to let it get into my head too much.
Thoughts and prayers to all those on their journey as well. 🙏💕

Hi. Other than concerns about side effects, bloodwork is done to check your phosphorus levels (I forget why…). Anastozole also affects your bone density. It depletes it because you are blocking estrogen. My oncologist had me go 6 months on the anastozole before introducing a medication to help bone loss. He chose Prolia because it is also used for people with bone cancer, so while helping your bone density, it is also a medication that reduces chances for metastasis of the breast cancer to your bones. (Not that it’s actually going to happen. It’s just “why not pick the medication that works for both?”) Prolia has its own side effects, so starting afterwards helps separate how the 2 medications are making you feel. I have friends who didn’t take anything for bones, but theirs may have been in better shape to begin with! I was already headed towards osteoporosis! Every doctor has their own system for treatment.

Hi. I was diagnosed with MBC at the beginning of this year. BC metastasized to bones. It is hormone+/HER2-. I am currently on Verzenio and Anastrazole with monthly Zometa. It's been only 1.5 months on Anastrazole and I am not experiencing much side effects. Zometa, on the other hand, causes significant bone pain and flu like symptoms. Taking tylenol helped with the bone pain the last time though. I had a DEXA scan to establish baseline.

I don't want to sidetrack this thread but I'd appreciate pointers to conversations with positive stories of MBC patients.
Thanks.

I am having my first check up on March 23 also. Started Femora 3 weeks ago..like you, I am trying to not dwell on side effects though I do have some.

Yes. Tamoxifen caused lots of hair loss AFTER I stopped. Along with debilitating side effects I had to stop after 9 mos of emotional and physical hell