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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (1931)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I am wondering if anyone on anastrozole developed new side effects after several months on it? I have been on it about 7 months. Developed stiff hands and joints pretty quickly, that didn’t go away. I also had some back and side aches early on but it quit after a month or so. But now I have been getting headaches for the last 3 days. Is it common for side effects to shift over time with this drug?
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@feistylf
Yes, my side effects changed from time to time, for what that's worth. After about two years, I stopped noticing them or perhaps some just went away. The only one which annoys me is the trigger thumb. I'll get a shot in my thumb for it, but it returns after several months.
On anastrozole one of the strange side effects was my toes and shoulders were achy - but after about 6 months that side effect went away. The pain in my hands only got worse - so after 12 months I switched to Exemestane. My hand pain is either 0 or 1 now, where before it was about a 7 for 24/7. Still suffering insomnia and hot flashes - those never go away. Closing in on 2 years now. I hope to go the full 5 years.
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@feistylf, Anastozole was the first AI my doctor prescribed after my cancer surgery. I stayed on it for a year and a half, and experienced all of the side effects you've mentioned here except headaches. Finally, I couldn't tolerate it anymore and tried Exemestane. I also had side effects from that drug. Finally my doctor prescribed Tamoxifen and I've been taking that for quite a long time with very few side effects at all. I hope you find some relief soon. I would definitely recommend a conference with your Oncologist.