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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baker1 | @baker1 | May 21, 2019
In reply to @monical "https://www.smithdrug.com/uploads/recalls/Recall_Notification_Letter_-Anastrozole_Tablets_1mg-Revised_05.06.19.pdf RECALL - if you take this medication, you might want to read this link regarding..." + (show)
@monical

https://www.smithdrug.com/uploads/recalls/Recall_Notification_Letter_-Anastrozole_Tablets_1mg-Revised_05.06.19.pdf
RECALL - if you take this medication, you might want to read this link regarding Anastrozole tabs.

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These medication recalls are starting to become a daily occurrence. I may be exaggerating a bit, but between recalls of my BP medication and now Anastrozol, it is concerning. So far, my pharmacy has not carried the affected lots. I should not have to be worried that medications that are meant to keep me healthy will instead make me sick! I wish these problems would be caught before they release the products to the public.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 21, 2019

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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3 replies
batm | @batm | May 21, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "@gwinter- Good morning everyone. I wrote several weeks ago to say that I've been on Arimidex..." + (show)
@sparklegram

@gwinter- Good morning everyone. I wrote several weeks ago to say that I've been on Arimidex for 15 months now and the side effects for me, anyway, are hard to tolerate. Bone and joint pain, weakness in my knees, a general feeling that I've aged about 100 years. (I'm 74 now!) I just wrote a pretty lengthy email to my Oncologist enumerating all these symptoms and more, and asking for her experience and feedback about other choices of AI's. she said other people have fewer side effects from Letrozole and/or Tomoxifen (not an AI)). I know that Arimidex is said to be the most effective in preventing a recurrence, so I am conflicted! I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has switched from Arimidex to another AI to see if you found relief from side effects.

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I lasted a month on Arimidex, I was miserable. Joint pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, loss of focus; not worth it. I’ve been on Tamoxifen over a month now and am tolerating it well. I understand Arimidex and the AI’s are somewhat better in terms of preventing recurrence, but there is a the quality of life issue. At 65 I want to be active, so I’ll stick with Tamoxifen, it’s better than taking nothing.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 17, 2019

For anyone taking Tomoxifen, I am about to start on it, what are your side effects?

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | May 8, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "I hated Femura. Aromosin marginally better but still hate it" + (show)
@francine6829

I hated Femura. Aromosin marginally better but still hate it

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A few weeks ago I was actively questioning others in this group about their experiences with drugs other than Anastrozole. I've been on it for 14 months and really disliking the side effects. After reading responses here about Tomoxifen , Letrozole, etc., I've decided to stick with anastrozole. I've read that it is one of the most reliable at preventing recurrences, and my Oncologist agreed. My symptoms FINALLY seem to be lessening, and from what I've read here, all the other options carry the same kinds of side effects.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 8, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "@francine6829 I was taken off anastrozole for about 3 weeks now due to a couple of..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@francine6829
I was taken off anastrozole for about 3 weeks now due to a couple of episodes of diverticulitis with excruciating headaches. Actually, headaches began following being placed on the AI. Doctor is now offering Aromosin or Femara...not sure which route to go. Don't want any, but besides first tumor being invasive and second tumor neuroendocrine differential, must be on something. Hoping for no ore headaches on whatever I go on.

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I hated Femura. Aromosin marginally better but still hate it

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | May 8, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "My oncologist surgeon did a mammoprint test and the results came back excellent. I am meeting..." + (show)
@francine6829

My oncologist surgeon did a mammoprint test and the results came back excellent. I am meeting with him next week. Have any of you changed your hormone therapy based on your mammoprint test results? I am am on my second AI (Aromosin) and still have pain. Was on Femura first which caused horrible joint pain.

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@francine6829
I was taken off anastrozole for about 3 weeks now due to a couple of episodes of diverticulitis with excruciating headaches. Actually, headaches began following being placed on the AI. Doctor is now offering Aromosin or Femara...not sure which route to go. Don't want any, but besides first tumor being invasive and second tumor neuroendocrine differential, must be on something. Hoping for no ore headaches on whatever I go on.

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1 reply
francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 8, 2019

It’s a test, similar to Oncotype performed on breast tissue to help make treatment decisions. I had to ask my doc to give me the test. It was not offered.

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susiebeard | @susiebeard | May 8, 2019

I am unfamiliar with a mammoprint test. Can you tell me what this is?

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