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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@francine6829

My oncologist surgeon did a mammoprint test and the results came back excellent. I am meeting with him next week. Have any of you changed your hormone therapy based on your mammoprint test results? I am am on my second AI (Aromosin) and still have pain. Was on Femura first which caused horrible joint pain.

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@francine6829
I was taken off anastrozole for about 3 weeks now due to a couple of episodes of diverticulitis with excruciating headaches. Actually, headaches began following being placed on the AI. Doctor is now offering Aromosin or Femara...not sure which route to go. Don't want any, but besides first tumor being invasive and second tumor neuroendocrine differential, must be on something. Hoping for no ore headaches on whatever I go on.

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@trixie1313

@francine6829
I was taken off anastrozole for about 3 weeks now due to a couple of episodes of diverticulitis with excruciating headaches. Actually, headaches began following being placed on the AI. Doctor is now offering Aromosin or Femara...not sure which route to go. Don't want any, but besides first tumor being invasive and second tumor neuroendocrine differential, must be on something. Hoping for no ore headaches on whatever I go on.

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I hated Femura. Aromosin marginally better but still hate it

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@francine6829

I hated Femura. Aromosin marginally better but still hate it

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A few weeks ago I was actively questioning others in this group about their experiences with drugs other than Anastrozole. I've been on it for 14 months and really disliking the side effects. After reading responses here about Tomoxifen , Letrozole, etc., I've decided to stick with anastrozole. I've read that it is one of the most reliable at preventing recurrences, and my Oncologist agreed. My symptoms FINALLY seem to be lessening, and from what I've read here, all the other options carry the same kinds of side effects.

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For anyone taking Tomoxifen, I am about to start on it, what are your side effects?

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@sparklegram

@gwinter- Good morning everyone. I wrote several weeks ago to say that I've been on Arimidex for 15 months now and the side effects for me, anyway, are hard to tolerate. Bone and joint pain, weakness in my knees, a general feeling that I've aged about 100 years. (I'm 74 now!) I just wrote a pretty lengthy email to my Oncologist enumerating all these symptoms and more, and asking for her experience and feedback about other choices of AI's. she said other people have fewer side effects from Letrozole and/or Tomoxifen (not an AI)). I know that Arimidex is said to be the most effective in preventing a recurrence, so I am conflicted! I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has switched from Arimidex to another AI to see if you found relief from side effects.

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I lasted a month on Arimidex, I was miserable. Joint pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of focus; not worth it. I’ve been on Tamoxifen over a month now and am tolerating it well. I understand Arimidex and the AI’s are somewhat better in terms of preventing recurrence, but there is a the quality of life issue. At 65 I want to be active, so I’ll stick with Tamoxifen, it’s better than taking nothing.

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batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

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@monical

https://www.smithdrug.com/uploads/recalls/Recall_Notification_Letter_-Anastrozole_Tablets_1mg-Revised_05.06.19.pdf
RECALL - if you take this medication, you might want to read this link regarding Anastrozole tabs.

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These medication recalls are starting to become a daily occurrence. I may be exaggerating a bit, but between recalls of my BP medication and now Anastrozol, it is concerning. So far, my pharmacy has not carried the affected lots. I should not have to be worried that medications that are meant to keep me healthy will instead make me sick! I wish these problems would be caught before they release the products to the public.

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@francine6829

batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

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The only side effect I’ve noticed is that hot flashes are more intense and more frequent. Not fun to experience, but tolerable.

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@francine6829

batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

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I have been on tamoxifen for over two years. A little weight gain, some joint pain but really haven't had anything that would stop me from functioning. I'm 61 so occasional hot flashes.

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