1. < Breast Cancer

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

cancersucks | @cancersucks | Mar 21, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @tinalove, welcome to Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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?

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It doesn’t mention it’s also a chemo drug which my Dr didn’t inform me

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Mar 21, 2019
In reply to @maureenkarras "I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I..." + (show)
@maureenkarras

I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. There are side effects and everyone reacts differently. For me it was joint pain and skin issues - I'm still struggling with both. The thing you have to weigh is the cancer. I'm assuming that you want to do everything possible to prevent reoccurance. I felt like I couldn't manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. I started, stopped, switched and tried again - repeatedly. I never completed the entire recommended 5 years. But, I wish I could have. For me the fear of reoccurance seems to still loom large. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. Wishing you the best and a future cancer free. Maureen

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Fear is a good way to keep you on the treatment . My oncologist likes to use the fear card and you can also get king size candy bars while waiting to see the dr . Wonder why I want another dr

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Mar 21, 2019
In reply to @cancersucks "I had hair thinning but was only able to take it three months . I would..." + (show)
@cancersucks

I had hair thinning but was only able to take it three months . I would not worry till you try the medication because some people do well on it . And not everyone suffers the side effects . I suffered almost all and my quality of life made me rethink treatment called preventative. I decided I wasn’t ready for a nursing home at 64

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Had my check up yesterday with my oncologist post radiation and 5 weeks on femura. Radiation was a non event. (I didn't have chemo). Biggest complaint is joint/bone pain. Doc said some patients level out and their pain is better after a few months on the drug. He believes femura has less side effects than others and he is reluctant to change me to one of the others.

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | Mar 21, 2019

Good morning everyone. I've been taking Arimidex for 14 months. I'm 74 and I've experienced hair loss, insomnia, depression, joint pain, and pain in my hands, . Has anyone had a positive experience with switching to Femara or a different medication? Of course I will continue taking one of the drugs, but do they all have equal preventative properties?

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1 reply
francine6829 | @francine6829 | Mar 21, 2019

My understanding is yes they all do the job. I have only taken Femara but am interested in anyone else's comparison.

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | Mar 22, 2019

Has anyone experienced pretty severe upper leg and knee pain from Anastrozole? I'm seeing a doctor today because I haven't been able to sleep for 3 nights due to severe leg pain.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Mar 22, 2019

On Femura have knee and heel pain. Does not keep me up at night. Are you exercising at all?

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1 reply
buckimom | @buckimom | Mar 22, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "Has anyone experienced pretty severe upper leg and knee pain from Anastrozole? I'm seeing a doctor..." + (show)
@sparklegram

Has anyone experienced pretty severe upper leg and knee pain from Anastrozole? I'm seeing a doctor today because I haven't been able to sleep for 3 nights due to severe leg pain.

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@sparklegram - I’m sorry you’re in such pain. I’ve had 3 knee replacements and was very surprised to have excruciating pain in my knees, walking with two canes. Finally went to my surgeon, received cortisol shots which helped immensely. Hoping you find relief soon❤️. P.S. Love your name sparklegram 😊

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | Mar 22, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "On Femura have knee and heel pain. Does not keep me up at night. Are you..." + (show)
@francine6829

On Femura have knee and heel pain. Does not keep me up at night. Are you exercising at all?

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@francine6829 Yes, I work out at the YMCA and I walk a lot! Not this week though because of this pain.

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jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | Mar 22, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "Has anyone experienced pretty severe upper leg and knee pain from Anastrozole? I'm seeing a doctor..." + (show)
@sparklegram

Has anyone experienced pretty severe upper leg and knee pain from Anastrozole? I'm seeing a doctor today because I haven't been able to sleep for 3 nights due to severe leg pain.

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I have the exact same thing. Last night I could hardly walk it was so bad I also had tingling in my legs. This has been on and off shortly after I started the medicine in October. Generally my legs feels weak even when there is no pain. Good luck at the doctor hope you get some relief.

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