Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I took anastrozole for about 11 months. My side effects were severe joint pain, hot flashes, insomnia, and it sucks all the moisture from you body: Dry skin, dry hair, dry vagina, severe constipation. I could tolerate all of these - until the joint pain in my hands, shoulders & toes - drove me to quit my hobby (quilting) & I asked the doctor for a drug change. After consulting with a rheumatologist to make sure my hands were not arthritis (it wasn't) - she finally changed me at about 11 months. I mean I had to threaten to quit taking the AI drug altogether. I went on Exemestane instead. It took about 3 to 4 months - but the pain left my hands (from a 7 to about a 1). I did stick out the full 5 years - but they wanted me to take it for another 5, which I declined to do. Within 1 week, my constipation was gone. Gradually the other symptoms were better. I still get insomnia. I guess what I learned is each person can have different reactions to each drug. What works for some, may not work for others. Good luck & I'm hoping you can find a drug that works for you. I'm 8 years out now & doing well.

I have been taking over year and just minor hot flashes but I make sure to exercise every day and try to eat better. Cut out most meat but sweets are hard to give up

@kal25 - I forgot to say that Exeemestane does make me run warm and can overheat easily. These are not heat flushes, but just running warm all the time.

@1aug2allis

Maybe you should look up the statistics on having radiation versus not having radiation.

I have been taking Anastrozole for 4 years… following a double mastectomy for stage 3 cancer. The first brand I took had few side effects, but then it became unavailable so I had to change to a different brand. The fillers appear to cause the different side effects. I didn’t even know what fillers were!
Fortunately, my original ones are available again so I’m back on them. One year to go!!! Counting down the days.

@1aug2allis Age is also a factor.

I think we both will do fine. There are no guarantees that the medicine will keep us from getting breast cancer again. I have read some of the other posts and even women that took it for 4 years were reporting they got it again. Goodluck! Just keep as healthy as possible and exercise. Enjoy each day and don't worry about the future.

@1aug2allis
I feel just like you. After 5 months on Anastrozole with stiffness in fingers and shoulder tendons I quit. I’m 71 and want to enjoy each day with as little pain as possible

@rbarber100 Thanks for sharing. I think for me than I made the right decision to stop after 3 weeks. It was making me not feel like I wanted to do much. Stiffness that is still bothering me and I'm a walker and biker and around your age. Getting ready to turn 72 in December. I already have thin hair, not from the medicine, but I did notice I was losing a lot in the shower just starting this, now it has slowed down to almost nothing. For me personally I want to live my life feeling the best I can. Will not try any further meds after reading other comments. You girls are amazing that are willing to stay on it. Good luck to everyone. What a way to spend our later years worrying about breast cancer.

I did have some hair fall at the start of taking Anastrozole. I use some special shampoo. I was already on Minoxidil pills and I added the minoxidil foam several times a week. My hair did return to the same level as before starting the medicine. At 20 months I had many many side effects and Terrible pain. My doctor changed me to Exemestane and I’m having less side effects. Starting the new medicine I again I’m having some hair fall, but I feel like if I do the same thing that my hair will rebound again. Good luck in your journey, everybody’s is different.