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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elizaj | @elizaj | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @leemiller "I'm not aware of problematic side effects after a little over a year on anastrozole, except..." + (show)
@leemiller

I'm not aware of problematic side effects after a little over a year on anastrozole, except my last DEXA showed a bit more loss of bone mass in my spine. My hair is back, post chemo, sleeping okay, joint pain is from arthritic knees, pain linked to hip weakness. The anastrozole is giving me so little trouble my oncologist is reluctant to try anything else, even with the osteoporosis.

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I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. My cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes so it was determined that only radiation was needed. I started on Arimidex and then took a second similar RX , but had joint pain in my hand and ankle. I am now on Letrozole and doing very well. I still have ankle pain and some anxiety. But not too bad. Will have a bone density test this fall.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 27, 2018
In reply to @leemiller "I'm not aware of problematic side effects after a little over a year on anastrozole, except..." + (show)
@leemiller

I'm not aware of problematic side effects after a little over a year on anastrozole, except my last DEXA showed a bit more loss of bone mass in my spine. My hair is back, post chemo, sleeping okay, joint pain is from arthritic knees, pain linked to hip weakness. The anastrozole is giving me so little trouble my oncologist is reluctant to try anything else, even with the osteoporosis.

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Welcome to Connect, @oilermama. I see that this is your first post. We look forward to getting to know you. Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? How are you doing today?

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Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Jun 25, 2018

No hair "loss" but some thinning which I think comes with my age. I got a shorter cut designed to make my hair look thicker and it does! It never came out in clumps, just simply noticed it was thinner than before....Probably only noticeable to me.

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elizaj | @elizaj | Jun 25, 2018

I had only radiation. Worked my way through two of the drugs and finally stayed on Letrozole. I have been on one or the other for two and a half years. Joint pain in my right hand was the issue. And right ankle pain. The joint pain in my hand is gone now on Letrozole, but the ankle still gives me trouble. I am fortunate not to be experiencing depression from these drugs. A few mild anxiety attacks. But very mild. Some research show the longer you can stay on these drugs the better. I’m 69 1/2 now. We’ll see. Stay strong ladies. Blessings to all.

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Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @mollymiller "Hi, LM ~ I have found an electroaccupuncturist in my area who is an MD with..." + (show)
@mollymiller

Hi, LM ~ I have found an electroaccupuncturist in my area who is an MD with specializing in Eastern medicine. She accepts Medicare! However, I have had a masseuse and accupuncturist who is not an MD, but she has been wonderful over the years. 'Have not been there in a while though. I know she doesn't (isn't allowed, I guess) accept Medicare. I wonder if Kanaaz knows if the electroaccupuncture might be more effective than regular; Perhaps a study or personal story? I have a fair degree of pain in most parts of my body, generally worst in the morning ~ And depression? I too am on Wellbutrin and I take Lexapro. I have taken these 2 drugs for many years ~ Long before my diagnosis in late 2016! I would say I have moderate anxiety and do take Ativan at bedtime with Neurontin and I do sleep well. How could I NOT with so many drugs coursing through my body? So, a more natural approach, if it is effective would be great! Sending peaceful and soothing thoughts ~ Molly

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PS ~ I am on Arimidex, entering my 14th month. Ups and downs, but when I put that little pill into my mouth every morning I think to myself, "Go get 'em!". I have read that 25 percent of women either do not start taking Arimidex, or quit taking it in the first year...Don't know if they switch to another drug or just forego the whole drug phase. I didn't have chemo, just radiation so I am determined to see my way through the Arimidex.

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Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Jun 25, 2018

Hi, LM ~ I have found an electroaccupuncturist in my area who is an MD with specializing in Eastern medicine. She accepts Medicare! However, I have had a masseuse and accupuncturist who is not an MD, but she has been wonderful over the years. 'Have not been there in a while though. I know she doesn't (isn't allowed, I guess) accept Medicare. I wonder if Kanaaz knows if the electroaccupuncture might be more effective than regular; Perhaps a study or personal story? I have a fair degree of pain in most parts of my body, generally worst in the morning ~ And depression? I too am on Wellbutrin and I take Lexapro. I have taken these 2 drugs for many years ~ Long before my diagnosis in late 2016! I would say I have moderate anxiety and do take Ativan at bedtime with Neurontin and I do sleep well. How could I NOT with so many drugs coursing through my body? So, a more natural approach, if it is effective would be great! Sending peaceful and soothing thoughts ~ Molly

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @roch "I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018...." + (show)
@roch

I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018. I will be having surgery later this year and goal of hormone treatment is to prevent need for chemotherapy after surgery. I have read some of the replies and did not see anyone mention of depression. I am having problems with depression since started taking medication. I was so bad at last oncology appointment they referred to psychiatry. At his point treating the depression symptoms rather than change cancer treatment.

My opinion is the depression is related to Anastrozole and not the fact I have newly diagnosed cancer. Prior to starting meds, I was dealing with diagnoses fine, after starting meds I have crying spells often. I have history of depression, so maybe I was more susceptible to changes in hormones. I am glad I talked to doctor about by symptoms and getting help.

I had some hair thinning, my solution is to cut hair shorter. No problems with hot flashes. Had some neck stiffness and minor headaches, those symptoms are tolerable compared to depression. .

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Thank you for the information about electroacupuncture, will see if anyone in my area provides this service.

I currently see psychologist and take Sertraline HCL (Zoloft) and Bupropion HCL XL (Wellbutrin XL).

LM

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @roch "I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018...." + (show)
@roch

I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018. I will be having surgery later this year and goal of hormone treatment is to prevent need for chemotherapy after surgery. I have read some of the replies and did not see anyone mention of depression. I am having problems with depression since started taking medication. I was so bad at last oncology appointment they referred to psychiatry. At his point treating the depression symptoms rather than change cancer treatment.

My opinion is the depression is related to Anastrozole and not the fact I have newly diagnosed cancer. Prior to starting meds, I was dealing with diagnoses fine, after starting meds I have crying spells often. I have history of depression, so maybe I was more susceptible to changes in hormones. I am glad I talked to doctor about by symptoms and getting help.

I had some hair thinning, my solution is to cut hair shorter. No problems with hot flashes. Had some neck stiffness and minor headaches, those symptoms are tolerable compared to depression. .

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Welcome to Connect, @roch.
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and I'm so glad you recognized your symptoms of depression and sought help.
My research about anastrozole also led to this article which echos your insights:
Electroacupuncture Helps Ease Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression in Women Taking Aromatase Inhibitors: http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/electracupuncture-helps-ai-side-effects

@roch, may I ask how you are treating and managing the depression?

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Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Jun 23, 2018
In reply to @roch "I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018...." + (show)
@roch

I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018. I will be having surgery later this year and goal of hormone treatment is to prevent need for chemotherapy after surgery. I have read some of the replies and did not see anyone mention of depression. I am having problems with depression since started taking medication. I was so bad at last oncology appointment they referred to psychiatry. At his point treating the depression symptoms rather than change cancer treatment.

My opinion is the depression is related to Anastrozole and not the fact I have newly diagnosed cancer. Prior to starting meds, I was dealing with diagnoses fine, after starting meds I have crying spells often. I have history of depression, so maybe I was more susceptible to changes in hormones. I am glad I talked to doctor about by symptoms and getting help.

I had some hair thinning, my solution is to cut hair shorter. No problems with hot flashes. Had some neck stiffness and minor headaches, those symptoms are tolerable compared to depression. .

Jump to this post

Hello, Roch ~ Rest assured that you are not alone in having depression as an Arimidex side effect. I don't quite know what else to say, as mine comes in waves. Some days I truly feel upbeat and it lasts for a day or two and then i wake up and don't want to get out of bed. Pain also varies ~ Hot flashes pretty constant but I can deal with them . 18 months since diagnosis, 36 radiation treatment, turned down chemo and am now 13 months on Arimidex. At age 69, I did not want to even TRY chemo and my doctor conceurred, I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Est and Pro positive, HerpII negative . One node effected, 16 others removed, all clear. As you coan tell from this typing I am experiencing visual problems. Prayers, etc. are in heavy use. WIshing you good days ahead.

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elizm | @elizm | Jun 23, 2018
In reply to @roch "I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018...." + (show)
@roch

I have been on Anastrozole for 3 months since diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2018. I will be having surgery later this year and goal of hormone treatment is to prevent need for chemotherapy after surgery. I have read some of the replies and did not see anyone mention of depression. I am having problems with depression since started taking medication. I was so bad at last oncology appointment they referred to psychiatry. At his point treating the depression symptoms rather than change cancer treatment.

My opinion is the depression is related to Anastrozole and not the fact I have newly diagnosed cancer. Prior to starting meds, I was dealing with diagnoses fine, after starting meds I have crying spells often. I have history of depression, so maybe I was more susceptible to changes in hormones. I am glad I talked to doctor about by symptoms and getting help.

I had some hair thinning, my solution is to cut hair shorter. No problems with hot flashes. Had some neck stiffness and minor headaches, those symptoms are tolerable compared to depression. .

Jump to this post

Roch: I, too, have experienced bouts of depression (unusual for me) this spring since going on anastrozole in January, even though I only take a half dose. I associated it with not being able to exercise every day (the chemo-induced neuropathy seemed to increase following the end of chemo). My reaction was to exercise earlier in the day (treadmill at the gym) and spend more time with outside activities (Stephen Ministry and working with foster care students). My personal analysis of being a cancer survivor is that it's always going to be something... some things I can control (like asking for a different aromatase inhibitor if the depression bouts continue, exercising earlier in the day, taking Chinese herbs, etc.) and some things are out of my control (like the nerve damage, insomnia, and extreme arthralgia). For me, trying anything and everything beats having to go through chemo, again. Don't hesitate to ask your oncologist to switch your AI to letrozole or exemestane to see if you can avoid experiencing the bouts of depression. Each of us reacts differently to a particular hormone therapy, depending on our body chemistry. Just be aware that all of these meds can cause various side-effects. Wishing you a better outcome in future!

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