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?

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@windyshores

I have a dairy allergy (caseine) so that is a bit different. I also avoid gluten. Have you checked ingredients for all the manufacturers?
Teva and Accord tend to be good companies in terms of ingredients. There' s one other one that starts with R, sorry can't remember.

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Thanks!

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I have been on anastrozole for 10 months. I have for the last 7 months had pain in and lower back. Because I was diagnosed with arthritis in both areas, I thought that was my problem, until I read some of the comments here. I also had a reduction done on my other breast at the same time as the mastectomy. I also have pain and soreness in that breast for over 10 months now. The surgery scars have keloids, and they are painful and sore. I would like any information from others as to ways to cope with this as I have to be on the medication for 5 years.

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@eaglewings22

Thank you for the thread link! I’ve been told by my MO that I will start anastrozole after I finish radiation at the end of February. I am lactose-sensitive and gluten-free, so have been doing a lactose-free/gluten-free for the last year which as dramatically decreased my arthritis symptoms. I now see that anastrozole has 65 mg of lactose in it, and letrozole has 45 mg! I do think these 2 AI’s have the best impact on invasive lobular (ILC) so I’m really torn. Anyone who is lactose-free taking anastrozole? Help!

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Have you checked Exemestan? It is slightly different AI but should have the same effect.

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@msgee

I have been on anastrozole for 10 months. I have for the last 7 months had pain in and lower back. Because I was diagnosed with arthritis in both areas, I thought that was my problem, until I read some of the comments here. I also had a reduction done on my other breast at the same time as the mastectomy. I also have pain and soreness in that breast for over 10 months now. The surgery scars have keloids, and they are painful and sore. I would like any information from others as to ways to cope with this as I have to be on the medication for 5 years.

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I have been on anastrozole for 4 months. I take it out night before I go to bed because I was worried about nausea. I also have osteoarthritis and polyarthritis. I take tumeric capsules and I try to walk 5 miles daily because I was told walking can be helpful.

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@debbie2721

I have been on anastrozole for 4 months. I take it out night before I go to bed because I was worried about nausea. I also have osteoarthritis and polyarthritis. I take tumeric capsules and I try to walk 5 miles daily because I was told walking can be helpful.

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Thank you debbie2721. I am 80 years old, and I also have osteopenia in my hips and lower back. I used to walk about 40 minutes outside twice per day, until I had the mastectomy. I also have Asthma and just don't feel up to walking now that it is winter. I use turmeric in my cooking. Never tried the capsules. I take amlodipine for high blood pressure, as well as medicine for asthma control. I have notice that I get tightness and pressure after I take the anastrozole. I will try taking it at bedtime and seeif that makes a difference.

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@msgee

Thank you debbie2721. I am 80 years old, and I also have osteopenia in my hips and lower back. I used to walk about 40 minutes outside twice per day, until I had the mastectomy. I also have Asthma and just don't feel up to walking now that it is winter. I use turmeric in my cooking. Never tried the capsules. I take amlodipine for high blood pressure, as well as medicine for asthma control. I have notice that I get tightness and pressure after I take the anastrozole. I will try taking it at bedtime and seeif that makes a difference.

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Dear msgee,
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. Asthma in itself is a difficult health concern. Wishing you the best at overcoming your health issues.
Debbie2721

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Has anyone had side effects on exemestan? I am going to ask my oncologist to change my drug? I am scared to not finish out my 5 years. I have two years completed on anastrozide. Since I am hypertensive, and history of heart disease from both parents I’m worried about another stroke.

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@happyat65

Has anyone had side effects on exemestan? I am going to ask my oncologist to change my drug? I am scared to not finish out my 5 years. I have two years completed on anastrozide. Since I am hypertensive, and history of heart disease from both parents I’m worried about another stroke.

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I am going to switch to Exemestane. according to information, it should not raise blood lipids like Anastrozole does.

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My cousin is facing chemo and going with her to the appointment made me remember how lucky we are to be needing hormonal therapies only.

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Hi I have been on it for 6 months now. I have some joint pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.

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