Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

My dentist is the one who brought it to my attention. I am merely stating
my opinion based on my research. I am in a different place than a lot of
people as I don't tolerate medications of any kind very well. Quality of
life is more important to me than length of life. We are all different and
need to respect that.

@whr I would not say bone loss medications are necessarily dangerous. I just took Tymlos for two years. The dose is adjustable so I could start low and ramp up. I worry that generalizations like "bone loss meds are dangerous" might worry people unnecessarily. I agree that side effects are a concern for some but the meds that are available are effective and for many, tolerable. I would say, on the other hand, that cancer recurrence is dangerous!

To others: I also reacted to fillers in generics. I took brand name letrozole as a result and at the end of treatment found a generic I could tolerate. Too bad, the brand name cost a lot! But so helpful that people are posting on this issue so many can maybe avoid quitting by switching manufacturers.

Agree. I feel like I have to think of everything. The fight is real.

I was also only on accord. I was very lucky on it. Never changed for five years.

I did not have hair loss but I did not tolerate Anastrozole well. Poor sleep, more intense hot flashes, dry skin and tendon problems. Took a month off of medication advised by my new oncologist and then started letrozole and taking it at night. 2 months in and I think psychologically (knowing this oncologist will work with me) maybe all that’s different as letrozole and Anastrozole are basically the same drug. But hot flashes are better ( the weather has changed so I don’t get to my
flash point as quickly. I’m taking a magnesium supplement for sleep issues. Dr also suggested acupuncture specifically for ‘women’s health’ to reduce the menopausal symptoms and yoga. Living in a rural area, it is quite difficult to find a women’s health acupuncturist but I am on the search. I guess my take away is if you don’t trust your dr- switch and look for alternatives in conjunction with your medication

You were one of the lucky ones. After 18 months on Anastrozole I opted to quit. I have posted before all that occured while on the medication, it became a quality of life issue. We all have to weigh our options and hope and pray we made the right decision. Bone loss medications are dangerous and I will not take them. Do your research, listen to your body and go from there.

I also use Anastrozole manufactured by ACCORD and when my pharmacy switched manufacturers I had dramatically increased side effects ( not in hair thinning) . Switched back to ACCORD and settled down again.

So much self advocacy needed on this journey!

I had mild hair “ thinning” as in much more on comb/brush especially after washing… returned to usual after a while then again after replacement surgery. I have “ decided” that it was an effect from physical ( and emotional) stress from the anesthesia.

Check out TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM. It describes the natural cycle of hair growth, rest and shedding… and what may interrupt that . It’s quite interesting.

I had some hair loss no change in bone density after five years on anastrazole accord manufacturer. Very low in side effects worth the results.

I was able to lose some weight on Anastrozole ( using WW) and at one year my DEXA remained stable … endocrinologist has prescribed a DEXA at year two as well and if I am still stable will go to 2 years.

Every BODY is different and responds differently. Ii wish we had more predictable possible outcomes. It would make our decisions so much easier. 🌸