Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I have a question for those of you who have taken Anastrozole and are now finished (or quit early due to side effects). Did you find the side effects went away after you stopped taking the medication? In particular, I’m questioning the weight gain, the hair thinning and the achy, stiff joints. I also get a shot of Prolia twice a year for osteoporosis so I don’t know if that will impact the results. I have been on the Anastrozole for twenty months.

I had to stop both Letrozole and Arimidex because of side effects....and yes I had that pain in my wrists and fingers immediately. But I only took the drugs a total of 2 weeks each. I had depression and fatigue and blood in my stools.....that final side effect was the end for me. I also got Shingles twice, once on each med. Of course they don't cause Shingles but they seemed to mess with my immune system in some odd way. I did lots of research on the drugs because I wanted to take them but couldn't figure out a way. Every single one causes the joint pain in some people and the side effect of pain can go away or stay. It's taking away your hormones and they support things like joint and bone health. I suppose the pain could come naturally with aging and just be there waiting to pop up, the drugs may simply accelerate that. My experience has been, so far, no recurrence of my breast cancer and also that I have virtually no estrogen (per my recent blood tests). My body just got rid of the estrogen on it's own ....I have no idea why or how, although I've been careful with diet, lost 25 pounds (that estrogen was hiding in my fat I guess) and I have many of the side effects the drugs would cause (due to estrogen depletion). I don't have joint pain however and no depression (other than thinking about cancer, which is just depressing). I was only a Stage 1 but the tricky lobular (not ductal) cancer. It's hard to spot when it does recur so I may be living in a 'fools paradise', but unless it comes back I'm not going to take the drugs and then, of course, it may be too late. I felt too horrible on the drugs (I also tried Tamoxifen with Stage 0 cancer) and had bad side effects. The drugs really do work to beat down the cancer and recurrence but they also have side effects short and long term. It's a tough decision for many of us. You want to do all you can to manage the cancer of course but who wants to feel awful for 5 years doing it, with possible long term consequences. I struggle with my decision every day.

CORRECTION: ......my Intolerance to heat!

My main issue is my stiff and aching fingers on my right hand only (so far). I have had one arthritic joint on my fore
Finger for years that doesn’t cause me much grief. About three weeks after starting anastrozole, my ring finger became stiff, started clicking, and really hurt. Stopped anastrozole for two weeks. No improvement. Started Exemestane. No improvement. Stopped meds altogether and fingers got better but issue was still there. Started Anastrozole again, and after about three weeks, my thumb joint seized up. Now I have three fingers on just the one hand hurting all the time. While I was off meds, I got sent to hand doctor. He decided I was getting carpal tunnel syndrome. When I asked about my finger, he said, “Oh that’s just arthritis.” I am beginning to think, at least with me, that Anastrozole can trigger a situation that has been simmering below the surface and then it’s hard to make it go away even when the drug is stopped. What was your experience with joint pain?

Judy,
I was on Anastrozole for 10 months and steadily grew challenged at the prospect of taking it for another 4 years, because of joint pain. It has now been several weeks that I've switched to Exemestane, having given myself a couple weeks break between the change in drugs. My joint pain is almost non-existent on Exemestane, although my tolerance for heat is greater, but overall, I'm feeling lots better. I am experiencing no problems with my eyes and feel like I am having more success having switched. This is all good news for me, at this point, because I cannot take Tamoxofin.
I'm hoping you will also be able to tolerate one of the estrogen inhibiters and wish you every success. Keep up the fight!!!

That's good! Samples also good! I hope it works well for you. It has for me. At least it's one less thing irritating you when there are plenty with cancer.

I am on Medicare, but my insurance covers it to the tune of about $100 for a 90 day supply, I think. I'm going to call the doctor's and see if they have any samples to try. They usually are pretty good about that.

The Restassis is pretty easy....a drop in each eye morning and night. You'll be pleased with the improvement, I sure was. The only problem with this one is the cost. I pay $200 for a 30 day supply. But, you can get a savings card to sign up for a discount from your doctor (not good if you're on Medicare though) and there is a second drug, Xiidra that may be cheaper. I may be switching to the Xiidra if my doctor will let me.

I saw the eye doctor for this and she suggested Restasis. I guess I’ll try it although I hate to add any more prescription drugs to my daily regimen. Thanks for the info about falling estrogen causing dry eyes.

I had extreme pain and depression on all the aromatase drugs and was unable to take them for any length of time so I can't address those questions BUT, I do have a thought about your eye problem. For the past 10 years I have had 'dry eye'. It started during perimenopause and continues today (although not as bad). I believe dry eye can be a result of lowered estrogen in the body and hormonal changes. I use prescription eye drops that help my eyes retain and make more tears (there are two, Restassis and Xiidra). They have helped me immensely with this problem which isn't noticeable now, as long as I keep up with my meds. Perhaps a trip to your eye doctor for a 'dry eye' evaluation?