Aromatase Inhibitors: How to choose and manage side effects?

Posted by shebell @shebell, Sep 11, 2024

I was diagnosed in April 2024 stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma - estrogen positive. I had lumpectomy and radiation my onco score was 12 so was able to skip chemo therapy. I have tried Anastrozole and had terrible side effects I have not tried Tamoxifen yet and am seriously thinking about forgoing any AI long term treatment has anyone else made that choice?

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@cherziggy

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

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I started exemestane again today after taking a two week break. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Congrats to you friend!
Thank you for the feedback! 🤗

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@cherziggy

I’ve tried Letrozole and anastrozole brand name. The Letrozole destroyed the ulner nerves in both arms after 3 weeks of taking it. The anastrozole made my joints hurt and the brain fog was unbearable. I’m really skeptical now about trying the 3rd one!
Did you find one to work for you?

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Sorry to hear about your challenges. So many different experiences! I’ve gone from a Anastrozole to Letrozole, which works well for me. A girlfriend was in your situation, and her oncologist switched her to Tamoxifen. Not the ideal, but she could tolerate it. In October she’ll hit her 5 years and will go off it.

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@cherziggy

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

Jump to this post

My oncology nurse (after much cajoling on her part) got me to try osteo bi flex for the horrible joint pain I was experiencing. Much to my surprise, after about two months, the pain was so much better. You may want to give it a try 🌹

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@cherziggy

I’m glad the letrozole is working for you! I am able to walk and do so every morning at twilight. I look forward to it even though it’s difficult sometimes.
Can I ask if you take the meds at night or in the morning? I heard someone else say that when she changed to taking it before bed was a game changer for her.
Have a good day!

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@cherziggy I finished my letrozole. I took it in the morning...

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@cherziggy

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

Jump to this post

I tried anastrozole- did not work. I am on exestamine- joint aches and sleep issue, went off for a bit but back on with less side effects… I also added seeing an acupuncturist ( she’s also a oncologist) which has helped the side effects - she also recommended some supplements. I also walk, healthy yoga and a breathing yoga which has really work! I am not joint ache free, but everything has helped. I’m 61 . I’m okay with my “new” normal.

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@windyshores

Brand name letrozole worked for me. Certainly not without side effects. I found that walking more than 20 minutes helped. Up to 20 minutes I had a lot of pain but if I got up to or past 45 minutes I felt good. My onco said she had heard that from others. Not to minimize your pain which may make walking impossible.

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I’m glad the letrozole is working for you! I am able to walk and do so every morning at twilight. I look forward to it even though it’s difficult sometimes.
Can I ask if you take the meds at night or in the morning? I heard someone else say that when she changed to taking it before bed was a game changer for her.
Have a good day!

REPLY
@cherziggy

I’ve tried Letrozole and anastrozole brand name. The Letrozole destroyed the ulner nerves in both arms after 3 weeks of taking it. The anastrozole made my joints hurt and the brain fog was unbearable. I’m really skeptical now about trying the 3rd one!
Did you find one to work for you?

Jump to this post

Brand name letrozole worked for me. Certainly not without side effects. I found that walking more than 20 minutes helped. Up to 20 minutes I had a lot of pain but if I got up to or past 45 minutes I felt good. My onco said she had heard that from others. Not to minimize your pain which may make walking impossible.

REPLY
@windyshores

Switching manufacturers and then to brand name helped me. I know everyone is different! Which ones have you tried and what are you about to try?

Jump to this post

I’ve tried Letrozole and anastrozole brand name. The Letrozole destroyed the ulner nerves in both arms after 3 weeks of taking it. The anastrozole made my joints hurt and the brain fog was unbearable. I’m really skeptical now about trying the 3rd one!
Did you find one to work for you?

REPLY
@cherziggy

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

Jump to this post

Switching manufacturers and then to brand name helped me. I know everyone is different! Which ones have you tried and what are you about to try?

REPLY

I’m on the fence about trying a 3rd AI. First two weren’t tolerable. Please share good or bad experiences. Thank you!

REPLY
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