Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@islandelder, welcome to Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this active discussion about the side effects of Arimidex (anastrozole). I did this so that you can meet others talking about treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to go to the discussion and read through past comments.

That is curious about the crying jags since switching to Arimidex, but it doesn't surprise me. Mood changes is listed as a common side effect. I'll be interested to hear who else may have experienced this, too. Did you experience any mood differences with Femara?

@islandelder, welcome to Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this active discussion about the side effects of Arimidex (anastrozole). I did this so that you can meet others talking about treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to go to the discussion and read through past comments.

That is curious about the crying jags since switching to Arimidex, but it doesn't surprise me. Mood changes is listed as a common side effect. I'll be interested to hear who else may have experienced this, too. Did you experience any mood differences with Femara?

I've just been switched from Femara to Arimidex because of bone pain with the former. Suddenly crying jags come from nowhere. My last radiation treatment was a year ago and my checkups have been fine. Feeling okay, but this is new. My history: Breast cancer diagnosis, October, 2016; Mastectomy, right breast, Stage 3C, Feb, 2017; chemo, four treatments, then 30 radiations. Anyone else? I don't necessarily feel depressed, but anything sad or infuriating on TV makes me cry. I'm not a big cryer. Thanks.

Hi @tinalove, welcome to Connect.
You'll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer group.

Anastrozole belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. You can find out more about them and what to expect here http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20015050 On the list of side effects of anastozole, hair loss is listed as an uncommon side effect.

It would be nice to get a first-hand experience for someone who has taken hormone therapy. I'm tagging @luladavis @maureenkarras and @lecase to see if they will join this discussion.

Maureen wrote a while back about side effects of exemestane, one of the other aromatase inhibitors https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dry-skin-red-itching-burning-and-peeling/ and Lecase asked about the pros and cons of anastrozole and tamoxifen. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/

Tina, what kind of breast cancer did you have and what treatments? How are you doing?

I have been taking Anastrozole for 3 1/2 months, started immediately after 2 months of radiation. I did not need chemo. Side effects of Anastrozole started within a week of starting which include trigger finger and backache across the middle of my back, but it is starting to deminish some, maybe because of exercise, vitamin D and my body adjusting. BUT, I am losing a lot of hair...I’m very concerned about how much hair I’m shedding. I was not prepared for this. I do have some problems sleeping buy I take ambien when I can’t sleep. I’ve been very emotional since about half way thru radiation and wonder if Anastrozole is also contributing to my bad mood.

What do you mean by "trigger finger"? I hope I don't start losing my hair. I was bald a year ago--don't want that again!

I’m also very concerned about the emotional side effects of radiation followed by Anastrozole.I don’t think that the oncologists have a good understanding of the emotional side effects. I was given 30 Xanax for anxiety (3 months ago) I took a half tablet and then quit, I decided I did not want to take more drugs, I would deal with it! I went to a breast cancer support group a few times which I liked but I’m not sure I’m going back. I felt like the most talkative and negative one there. I can’t tell if I put everyone off or not...Then I called 5 different therapists from the cancer center’s recommended list, none are taking new patients and one didn’t even return my call after I was asked to leave a detailed message which was a bit unnerving. Anyway, I’m still a mess. Two weeks ago I thought I’d try going gluten free to see if I’d have less joint, bone, muscle pain. Not sure if it’s making much difference. A few weeks ago I had Zumata which is a bone infusion to strengthen bones due to effects of treatments and make it harder for cancer to get into bones or something like that. Then was told to take calcium supplements. I bought the most expensive kind which are supposed to be easiest to tolerate. I need a few days off the calcium because it has the side effect of making me constipated, a problem I didn’t have before. So, not only am I emotional I’m becoming an angry person as well!

Trigger finger is happening to my middle finger, the joint is cramping and every time I close my hand or move fingers it feels like the joint gets stuck. It hurts after it keeps happening. It’s supposedly common I read about it and didnt understand but if it happens you will know. I’m not getting g bald but hair is thinning a lot. I used to have thick hair and now I probably have half what I had a year ago. I was lucky that I started with so much. I have a small bald patch hpjust above my ear, I cried when I found it. So far I’m able to cover it up.