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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 28 9:25am | Replies (1934)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I started on Anastrozole in early October. By mid-November, my joint pain was so bad that I dreaded going from sites to standing position or having to squat down for any reason. My doctor put me on a “drug holiday” - not as fun as it sounds lol -where I did not take the drug for 3 weeks. I went back on the drug on Dec 11 and so far have had minimal side effects. My oncology team does not know why this works, but have found that often after taking a break from the drug, the side effects are lessened once back on. I am 47 years old and stage 3, so feel that not taking an AI is not an option for me. So, if your pain gets to the point that you feel you can’t endure be sure to talk with your medical team about the possible benefits of a drug holiday. It just might work for you, too! I’m also curious about the 10 yr expectation of you taking the drug as I was informed (and the little bit of research I’ve done seems to support) that there is no added benefit to 10 yrs vs 5 yrs of AI. If anyone has other info, I’d love to hear it. Thanks. And we are all so much stronger than we think we are! Hang in there, all!
Replies to "Hi. I started on Anastrozole in early October. By mid-November, my joint pain was so bad..."
@tessfair1 @ljwright4778
I had a lot of arthralgia last year during chemo (probably from the Herceptin) and consequently was not excited about taking the anastrozole this year. I looked at the research which is complex: most patients discontinue anastrozole (and other AIs) within the first two years because of the side effects; there appears to be a spike of BC recurrence following discontinuance after 5 years; AIs do prevent recurrence while taking them; older and younger patients are more susceptible to recurrence in general, etc.) Although I was stage 1, the tumor was grade 2, ER+ and HER2+. Taking into account that I am super-sensitive to most medications and age 71, I decided to take half an Anastrozole daily (500 mcg).
No, my oncologist was not thrilled, but when I reminded him that most discontinue AIs within the first two years, and that this decision might allow me to continue for the 5-7 years recommended, he conceded. Yes, the arthralgia has continued despite the low dose, but I'm focused on the long-term. I also exercise 4-5 hours/week which I believe helps prevent bone loss and insomnia, AND, with my GP's approval, have taken a holiday from my statin (which began giving me a number of indiscriminate muscle pains, despite taking Co-Q-10).
There isn't much of a win-win when you analyze all the factors. I suggest that you do the research and list all the pros and cons for your particular situation, understand that you do have choices (like switching to a different AI, halving the dose, and taking none at all), and then you'll have a clearer picture of the trade-offs for your particular situation. We're all rooting for your long-term wellness!
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Wow, you hang in there! I am stage 1A and 64 and could not stand the side effects! I tried it 3 different times and each time the effects worsened. I have more of a choice than you! I was told anywhere from 3-10 years to take. But again I am at 3-10% recurrence and my age and 4grandsons, I do not want to be a sedentary Grammy! Keep it up, Girl!