Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

To everyone - I was on anastrazole - horrible side effects immediately so I had to stop. Took letrozole and after two weeks could not handle it. Started eximestrane two weeks ago and so far so good. Only side effect is a bit of constipation. Good luck!

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Thank you everyone for your replies, your feedback is very helpful. I was able to email my doc and he also feels the headaches are unrelated to the anastrozole as they came on so suddenly. He said It could be due to viral illness or other issues and if doesn’t resolve on its own they can do additional testing. I have my 3 month appt in a few weeks so hopefully I can hold out until then. Today no headache, so fingers crossed. I want to try to stay on anastrozole if I can, but I did write down the other meds you mentioned to discuss with my doc to see if those could be better. And I do need to exercise more and maybe add yoga. I feel more sluggish than I did when I was on the chemo :-/

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For insomnia I got a vape pen from local marijuana dispensary with a little oil product and have two or three tokes when I climb into bed. It’s a miracle! Ask for the kind that helps you sleep. It’s legal in Michigan.

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@dianamiracle
After all the side effects from anastrazole and letrozole, I went on exemestane and haven't looked back. I don't seem to have the bone and joint aches as with the first two, nor do I have the horrific headaches I had with them. I've been on exemestane now for about 9 months. I do get "heat bombs" and sometimes have trouble with insomnia but have a Nook so don't fight the nights with that and just read. For constipation, I eat about 3-4 prunes a day and haven't had a problem since starting that. What we have to learn to do with these drugs...crazy!

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@feistylf
I had horrific headaches with anastrozole and letrozole. Since going on exemestane, I have had no more headache and I also haven't had any bone or joint aches. Headaches are a side effect of anastrozole and there is no shame in changing medications. If one doesn't work, don't be fearful of trying another. Check and see if your facility has a "Strength After Breast Cancer" program. I belong to Kaiser which promotes this twice-weekly exercise program of warm up, stretching, core training exercises, weight training exercises, followed by stretching again. It only takes me about 30 minutes to do and I feel so much better afterward. I had a thalamic stroke on Memorial Day and recovered rapidly to the amazement of hospital occupational therapist, doctors, and my physical therapist, but attribute it to all the benefits from that exercise program! In addition, I was instructed to walk every day and my hubby takes me out for a 2 to 3.5 mile walk now.

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Thanks for sharing your experience. Are the Kaiser exercise classes online? I am interested!

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I also eat dried prunes 3 or 4 a day! No matter how much water I drink - all moisture is sucked out by the drug. I also have Acne!! Not sure if it's from the lack of estrogen. But it's annoying!

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@dmgweiss
Not online - they are for Kaiser patients and taught in the Physical Therapy Department's exercise room. Check with your facility/medical doctors to see if you have something similar. Kaiser became aware of this and incorporated into their own program - the physical therapists gear the exercises to each individual, for example, there were a couple I just could not do as they were taught so they modified them for me.

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Thanks I will check with Kaiser!

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