Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Hi @tinalove, welcome to Connect.
You'll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer group.

Anastrozole belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. You can find out more about them and what to expect here http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20015050 On the list of side effects of anastozole, hair loss is listed as an uncommon side effect.

It would be nice to get a first-hand experience for someone who has taken hormone therapy. I'm tagging @luladavis @maureenkarras and @lecase to see if they will join this discussion.

Maureen wrote a while back about side effects of exemestane, one of the other aromatase inhibitors https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dry-skin-red-itching-burning-and-peeling/ and Lecase asked about the pros and cons of anastrozole and tamoxifen. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/

Tina, what kind of breast cancer did you have and what treatments? How are you doing?

I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. There are side effects and everyone reacts differently. For me it was joint pain and skin issues - I'm still struggling with both. The thing you have to weigh is the cancer. I'm assuming that you want to do everything possible to prevent reoccurance. I felt like I couldn't manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. I started, stopped, switched and tried again - repeatedly. I never completed the entire recommended 5 years. But, I wish I could have. For me the fear of reoccurance seems to still loom large. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. Wishing you the best and a future cancer free. Maureen

I've been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have been minimal. My main concern is its contribution to my osteoporosis. I have been seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass.

@colleen_young @tinalove Hello Ladies Hope and pray all is well with everyone. Ok my journey with Anastrozole, where shall I start lol. I took tamoxifen for two years, I had terrible joint pain, bones were weak and bald spots on my scalp so I told my doctor that there had gotta be a better way,so he put me on Anastrozole 1mg plus I take some sort of hormone shot the two work togather kind of like two blood pressure pills working together. For the most the Anastrozole is a little better the symptoms of both are still the same but not as bad as Tamoxifen I will say. The bald spots aren't there however very low growth and shedding, hmmm let me see which one of the two I liked better..NEITHER! But I gonna take them, I will rather deal wit the little symptoms then my breast cancer come back..I had 2nd stage BC in 2011 had a mastectomy(rt.breast). 2015 had Breast Reconstruction and August 2016 will be my 5 year of completion, only to hear my Onc tell me he don't see me having my port removed or disconnecting my Anastrozole/shot because my cancer was so "aggressive"...Isn't everyone cancer Aggressive? But however I still remain cancer freedom lololol...Anyway I hope this helped..and remember everyone body is different..this is my story...GodBless peace

Hi @tinalove and @luladavis,

Tina, what advice have you been getting from your OT? I think OTs are great.

I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. I lost my hair, it's not coming back very well, my last treatment was in April 2015.

I have been taking arimidex for 8 months since dx of lobular carcinoma. I have many side effects, including hair thinning. Has anyone else experienced this? Will I eventually lose it all?

Welcome @cautiousoptimism.
@tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message to this discussion thread. View the full thread to see the great responses from @leemiller @luladavis @maureenkarras and @grandma41. It sure helps to hear from women how have been there!

@cautiousoptimism, What other side effects have you been dealing with?

I have muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and my hair is rapidly leaving. I<br />
had radiation, but no chemo. All in all, I've decided to put up with it<br />
all as long as it works. Just had 12 mo. clear mammogram...so far so<br />
good! Hate losing my hair though.<br />

I was having muscle and joint pain and concerned that I might lose my hair.<br />
My Oncologist changed my med. I will start tomorrow. She told me they have<br />
other meds. You might want to discuss this with yours. Best of luck to you.<br />