1. < Breast Cancer

Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | May 21, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "On Femura, I had terrible debilitating joint pain starting at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks my..." + (show)
@francine6829

On Femura, I had terrible debilitating joint pain starting at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks my oncologist took me off. I hope it works for you

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I had a lot of joint pain on the anastrozole, but vitamin D and walking helped me with that. lI am hopeful, but realistic!

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 21, 2019

On Femura, I had terrible debilitating joint pain starting at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks my oncologist took me off. I hope it works for you

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | May 21, 2019
In reply to @jeannie53 "I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and..." + (show)
@jeannie53

I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and finally said I'm done! The doctor has now given me Tamoxifen and I am just scared to try it she told me I should have stopped it as soon as I noticed the pain. I'm 65 years old have not taken anything since March and just can't bring myself to take this drug. I guess I have to bite the bullet but am terrified of the side effects.

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@jeannie53
I was on anastrozole for 1 month with all-day splitting headaches and then wound up with diverticulitis! Oncologist gave me a few weeks off and am just now starting on letrozole (Femara). Hot flashes and sweats I can take, but hopig NO headaches!

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karendb | @karendb | May 21, 2019

Hi jeannie53. I've been on anastrozole for about 3 months now and have very few side effects. I have a few aches in the knees but I don't even need a pain killer. I noticed my equilibrium is a little off (almost fell off the deck). But all in all, not bad at all. Takes me awhile to fall asleep too. But considering the alternative, I will keep taking it. I would rather live with a few aches and pains than not! Good luck to you.

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | May 21, 2019
In reply to @jeannie53 "I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and..." + (show)
@jeannie53

I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and finally said I'm done! The doctor has now given me Tamoxifen and I am just scared to try it she told me I should have stopped it as soon as I noticed the pain. I'm 65 years old have not taken anything since March and just can't bring myself to take this drug. I guess I have to bite the bullet but am terrified of the side effects.

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@jeannie53,- I completely understand. I'm 74 (as I keep stating here!) and I keep wondering if it's worth it to have all these side effects from Anastrozole. I look and feel 174. Then, I chicken out and keep taking it.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 21, 2019

jeannie - I've been on it for 2 days - so far so good. If it doesn't work, you can stop anytime. I hated the other drugs too.

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1 reply
jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | May 21, 2019

I was on anastrozole for 6 months dealt with the terrible joint and muscle pain and finally said I'm done! The doctor has now given me Tamoxifen and I am just scared to try it she told me I should have stopped it as soon as I noticed the pain. I'm 65 years old have not taken anything since March and just can't bring myself to take this drug. I guess I have to bite the bullet but am terrified of the side effects.

REPLY
2 replies
francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 21, 2019

Azalane - Were you on any of the AIs before Tomoxifen?

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azlane | @azlane | May 21, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs..." + (show)
@francine6829

batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

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I have been on tamoxifen for over two years. A little weight gain, some joint pain but really haven't had anything that would stop me from functioning. I'm 61 so occasional hot flashes.

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batm | @batm | May 21, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs..." + (show)
@francine6829

batm - I am with you! We are the same age and I tried the AIs with the same horrible joint pain. I just started Tamoxifen this week. do you have any side effects from Tamoxifen?

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The only side effect I’ve noticed is that hot flashes are more intense and more frequent. Not fun to experience, but tolerable.

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