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?

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dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Jun 22, 2019

This seems like such a reasonable approach-step by step and letting your body adjust.

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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "Yes, it is mainly for premenopausal women. However, it Tom does not have the severe joint..." + (show)
@francine6829

Yes, it is mainly for premenopausal women. However, it Tom does not have the severe joint pain side effects. Its been around forever and oncologists prescribe it for those who want less joint pain and still be covered. I know many post M women who take it.

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Yes, generally speaking Tomoxifin has been mostly used for premenopausal women. I’m 65 and post menopausal. My doctor switched me to tomoxifin from Anastrozole last spring when I broke out in severe hives. She said hives can be a rare allergic reaction to Anastrozole. I don’t like either one... for me both have some nasty side effects. But I suppose the side effects are better than cancer!

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1 reply
dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "I was thinking that if I took at least a month off, I could see just..." + (show)
@sparklegram

I was thinking that if I took at least a month off, I could see just how much Arimidex is impacting my life. I feel about 50 years older in every respect. I just don't know, judging by what I've been reading here, if any of the other Estrogen blockers have fewer, less invasive side effects. Of course I won't choose to not take one, I just want to know if taking a month off to evaluate my reaction to Arimidex will put me at risk for a recurrence.

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Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t make any big change like you are considering without talking with a knowledgeable doctor

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2 replies
sparklegram | @sparklegram | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t make any big change like you are considering without talking..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t make any big change like you are considering without talking with a knowledgeable doctor

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@dmgweiss, No, I wouldn't do that. I'll wait until she is back in her office and I can talk to her. Thanks.

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dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t make any big change like you are considering without talking..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t make any big change like you are considering without talking with a knowledgeable doctor

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Does your doctor have another doctor covering for them while he/she is on vacation? Given the side effects that we are all experiencing, to one degree or another, please go gently.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @gwinter "Well, I started aromasin and as my new oncologist directed taking it every third day....my reaction..." + (show)
@gwinter

Well, I started aromasin and as my new oncologist directed taking it every third day....my reaction so far has been a small headache and upset stomach. I work Monday, tuesday, and Friday...I take it Tuesday right after work and Friday right after work...
My oncologist said do that for a month or two, then go to every other day for a month or two, trying to get to every day. If ever it gets too bad quit for a month and start again going to the amount I can stand! So far....

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My oncologist recommended against the approach of taking a pill every other day because there is no evidence or studies to support that approach works.

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @lisman1408 "Yes, generally speaking Tomoxifin has been mostly used for premenopausal women. I’m 65 and post menopausal...." + (show)
@lisman1408

Yes, generally speaking Tomoxifin has been mostly used for premenopausal women. I’m 65 and post menopausal. My doctor switched me to tomoxifin from Anastrozole last spring when I broke out in severe hives. She said hives can be a rare allergic reaction to Anastrozole. I don’t like either one... for me both have some nasty side effects. But I suppose the side effects are better than cancer!

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@lisman1408
I didn't have hives, but had severe itching all over my body even 5 weeks after stopping anastrozole. Haven't had any of that on the letrozole (Femara).

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1 reply
lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "@lisman1408 I didn't have hives, but had severe itching all over my body even 5 weeks..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@lisman1408
I didn't have hives, but had severe itching all over my body even 5 weeks after stopping anastrozole. Haven't had any of that on the letrozole (Femara).

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Thanks for the response Trixie. I haven’t heard of anyone else having any kind of itching. Your response helps me to know I’m not so alone in this strange journey through breast cancer and maybe I’m more normal that I sometimes think!

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2 replies
sparklegram | @sparklegram | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @lisman1408 "Thanks for the response Trixie. I haven’t heard of anyone else having any kind of itching...." + (show)
@lisman1408

Thanks for the response Trixie. I haven’t heard of anyone else having any kind of itching. Your response helps me to know I’m not so alone in this strange journey through breast cancer and maybe I’m more normal that I sometimes think!

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@lisman1408,- My feelings, exactly!

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jun 23, 2019
In reply to @lisman1408 "Thanks for the response Trixie. I haven’t heard of anyone else having any kind of itching...." + (show)
@lisman1408

Thanks for the response Trixie. I haven’t heard of anyone else having any kind of itching. Your response helps me to know I’m not so alone in this strange journey through breast cancer and maybe I’m more normal that I sometimes think!

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@lisman1408 I've never been good at drugs...I used wonder how could there be alcoholics or drug addicts as 1 drink puts me under and am not good with anesthetics. However, we do have to take something so as long as I don't get headaches and disequilibrium anymore, I guess I can put up with the joint/bone aches and fatigue. But walking, swimming, and qi gong or tai chi are helpful with that. We can do this, yes we can!!!

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