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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jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | Mar 16, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those..." + (show)
@trixie1313

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

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My hands also hurt but thankfully not all the time. It seems that my legs are affected more many times they just feel tired and it's difficult to climb stairs. Slow and steady wins the race.

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1 reply
farmgirl1556 | @farmgirl1556 | Mar 16, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those..." + (show)
@trixie1313

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

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I am starting mine now but it seems to keep me from sleeping , so may try it during the day . Has it caused any weight gain for you or any of the other ladies ?😝

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 16, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all..." + (show)
@francine6829

I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all your symptoms and waiting for the other shoe to drop

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Just take one day at a time.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Mar 16, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all..." + (show)
@francine6829

I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all your symptoms and waiting for the other shoe to drop

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I was at a luncheon for all BC survivors and some ladies there had NO side effects, one woman was a month away from her 5 years. Never had any problems at all. So each person is different. 🙂

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Mar 16, 2019

I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all your symptoms and waiting for the other shoe to drop

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2 replies
kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Mar 16, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those..." + (show)
@trixie1313

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

Jump to this post

My hands hurt too - but it started after about 4 months on it. I bought some Aspercreme with lidocaine. It seems to help my hands when they get really bad. You can use it 3 times a day. I take mine before bed. My doctor said it didn't matter when I take it - but be consistent. I started have the bad hot flashes after surgery - so it's been 9 months, and they are reducing in intensity & frequency. But everyone is different. Hang in there! 🙂

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 16, 2019

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

REPLY
3 replies
francine6829 | @francine6829 | Mar 16, 2019

Have any of you comsidered switching to Femara ? The docs said the side effects are less

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susiebeard | @susiebeard | Mar 16, 2019

I do have arch supports which help some. Just wish it were more!

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Mar 16, 2019

Good Feet is a store located in MN and one in Wi that sells arch supports - https://www.goodfeet.com/

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