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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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Aug 20, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)

Francine6829, sooooo pleased for you that Tomoxifin is working!!! I was on Tomoxifin for a few months and the side effects were better than when I was on Anastrozole, but I still had some nasty side effects. My oncologist has let me be on a break from meds for a few months as my cancer was a very slow growing type. It’s been heaven to have the break!! But I’m supposed to go back on Tomoxifin when I see her at my next appointment in late September. Not looking forward to it!

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Aug 20, 2019

What side effects ?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 23, 2019

Just wanted to let everyone in the Breast Cancer group know that this week's Mayo Clinic Connect member spotlight highlights a member who has been active in this discussion and often supports others in the group. Get to know more about @cindylb, her Connect experiences and how getting support from all of you helps. Get a glimpse of Cindy and what she enjoys offline, too.

- Sustained on Her Journey by Connect Members: Meet @cindylb https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/sustained-on-her-journey-by-connect-members-meet-cindylb/

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cindylb | @cindylb | Aug 29, 2019

This is just slightly off topic but I had to share...........I had Stage 1 Lobular BC, no lymph node involvement and low risk of recurrence BUT I wanted to try the AI's and tried them all. I couldn't tolerate any of them due to the usual side effects and some relatively serious. I had my hormone levels checked by my oncologist multiple times and my levels of Estrogen were low (ER positive BC for me). Here's the next saga......I have been having some vaginal atrophy over the past few years and it finally became so bad that I had to start using vaginal estrogen. I have worked so hard to reduce my estrogen so my breast cancer won't recur (a goal we all share in a big way) and although this cream is low dose and doing the trick for me, I'm feeling all sorry for myself because it seems the hormone woes just never end. Sigh.....

cancersucks | @cancersucks | Oct 4, 2019

In reply to @grandma41 "I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could..." + (show)

Your hair will come back once treatment is done they say

lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Oct 5, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "What side effects ?" + (show)

The worst side effect for me on both Anastrozole and Tomoxifin was brain fog, memory issues. After some research, I have found much information about estrogen playing a role in cognitive functioning. I feared I was heading into dementia. After stopping those drugs, my cognitive abilities have returned to normal.

newgranny | @newgranny | Oct 6, 2019

In reply to @cindylb "This is just slightly off topic but I had to share...........I had Stage 1 Lobular BC,..." + (show)

I was starting to think I was only one with the vaginitis side effect!
Atrophic vulvovaginitis...gradually got worse over the 5 years on Anastrozole. I Consulted with GYN and confirmed ok by Oncology to treat with estradiol 10mcg (Vagifem) with good results past 2 weeks.
I too am considered low risk for reoccurrence (stage 1 ER+ right and DCIS stage 0 left 2014). I should add that Osteoporosis did worsen while on Anastrozole for which I’m now treated with Prolia injections.
Coping with worry about reoccurring cancer with yoga and meditation with fair success. Best of luck to you and thanks so much for sharing your story 💕

maryh62 | @maryh62 | Oct 7, 2019

In reply to @lisman1408 "The worst side effect for me on both Anastrozole and Tomoxifin was brain fog, memory issues...." + (show)

Hi Lisman 1408. I too am having serious memory issues with anazatrozole. Can you please share the links to the info you found?

lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Oct 7, 2019

In reply to @maryh62 "Hi Lisman 1408. I too am having serious memory issues with anazatrozole. Can you please share..." + (show)

I just googled ‘Anastrozole and cognitive function’ and a lot of information came up. I reviewed many of these articles. You can also google ‘memory with Anastrozole’, ‘how low estrogen effects memory’, etc. I found a lot information with just general searches. There was one in particular that was from early 2019 that described my situation very well, but of course... I can’t find it again!! If anybody else comes across information regarding memory and low estrogen, please post! My doctor switched me to exemestane about 2 weeks ago and so far so good!! I haven’t experienced ANY side effects! But it’s likely too early to tell if side effects are in my future with this drug also...

sparklegram | @sparklegram | Oct 13, 2019

In reply to @lisman1408 "I have been on Anastrozole which caused severe memory/cognitive issues, along with the aches and pains...." + (show)

Has anyone had severe neck pain as a side effect of Arimidex? I've been taking it for almost two years with a load of side effects, but this pain is a new one. I've never had neck pain before. However I am 75, so I'm wondering is this from being an old lady or is it yet another side effect of Arimidex (Anastrozole).