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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lig46 | @lig46 | Nov 15, 2019

I took Anastrozole for 5 years, and stopped a month ago. The first 2 weeks were awful. Aching, headache, fatigue! While on it I lost some hair, and I had muscle and joint pain. I am wondering if anyone can tell me how long does it take for the withdrawal symptoms to go away, because I still don't have a lot of energy.

dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Nov 15, 2019

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am curious whether you tapered off the Anastrazole over that month?

lig46 | @lig46 | Nov 16, 2019

In reply to @dmgweiss "Thanks for sharing your experience. I am curious whether you tapered off the Anastrazole over that..." + (show)

No, I didn't. I didn't expect any withdrawal symptoms. My Dr said it would get better after 2 weeks, and it did, but I just would like to have more energy, but since I am 73 years old maybe that is just the way it is.

dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Nov 17, 2019

You are 73 years young! Perhaps it will just take some time to gain full energy. Thanks for helping me learn about this. Denise

karendb | @karendb | Nov 17, 2019

Oh congratulations! What good news for you! I have my 1 year mammogram this week and.....well starting to panic a bit.

abartels | @abartels | Nov 17, 2019

In reply to @karendb "Oh congratulations! What good news for you! I have my 1 year mammogram this week and.....well..." + (show)

Stay positive, you have got this!

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Nov 18, 2019

In reply to @karendb "Oh congratulations! What good news for you! I have my 1 year mammogram this week and.....well..." + (show)

Deep breaths - Stay positive and you can get through this!

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Nov 18, 2019

In reply to @lig46 "I took Anastrozole for 5 years, and stopped a month ago. The first 2 weeks were..." + (show)

Someone else posted that it can take up to 2 to 3 months for the joint pain to subside. I've been off it 3 weeks now - my hands are starting to feel better. I was switched to exemestane.

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Nov 18, 2019

In reply to @elizm "@baker1 You are wise to consider this decision carefully. This drug has a controversial background. https://www.centerforhealthjournalism.org/2015/03/21/prolia-another-wonder-drug-wasnt" + (show)

I also read a study that Fosamax makes the bones MORE brittle - so you are at higher risk of breaking bones! I'd avoid that too.

jdriver | @jdriver | Nov 19, 2019

I have just returned from my 6 year post op appointment. I had a clear mammogram ! I initially was going to talk about coming off the Tamoxifen as I have now been on it 6 years. My worry was it would affect my bone density. At my appointment I learned that contrary to my belief, Tamoxifen can help prevent bone loss. The standard of care has been 5 years but there seems to be evidence now that 10 years of therapy is better. For that reason I have decided to remain on the Tamoxifen. I am fortunate that I really have no symptoms or side effects except possibly some hair thinning which may or may not be related to the drug. I will be 68 in December and there have been family members that had thinning hair as they grew older. My daughter is an NP and says "stay on the Tamoxifen" and get a wig if you have to ! Lol I think she wants me around a few more years. I will be having a bone density in January and will be anxious to see the results. I had mild osteopenia in my spine only before so hoping I have not had any increases of bone loss.