Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Have you done the Breast Cancer Index yet? After five years on an aromatase inhibitor, the Index is supposed to determine if taking an AI for more years will actually increase your survival rate.

I was told 7 years was as good as 10. I really wanted to do 7.

Then I read on breastcancer.org about the Breast Cancer Index, which gives risk as well as a yes or no answer about whether continued aromatase inhibitor treatment is of benefit. Mine came out high risk, but no benefit, so I stopped at 5 years.

My oncologist had not heard of it and put it into her practice. It is now part of NCCN guidelines. At the time I had to get the paperwork for the test, talk to the lab about specimens, and present the paperwork for signature to my doctor, then send it to the company. It should be easier now. If your doctor is not on board, get a second opinion. Show them the NCCN guidelines!

I have taken anastrozole for 5years now. Major intestinal problems, it makes my life really difficult. I have stopped it for 3 weeks, i now have almost no problems with stomach. My question is, do i really need to take it for 10 years, as my oncologist recommends? Or is it an impossible question?...

I delete same way at first and I was 70 doctor said it is the safest way to prevent cancer coming back. I had some hair loss not terrible. Only side effects I had was diahrea I was prone to that sensitive stomach. Otherwise five years later. Win win. Give it a try a real try try not to talk you into side effects. Good drug I read it is the drug of choice follow your oncologist advise don’t read the web

Since my cancer was grade 0 non invasive I will not change my mind. If I had a higher grade I might have. Heart attacks, blood clots and osteoporosis run in my family. The Dr. Told me I would have to have a bone density test done before she put me on the drug. I guess we all have to make our own choices. I'm glad it worked out for you.

I took it. I was tired for 5 years. Result: excellent prognosis. Clear for 8.5 years. I'm 73 now and have all my parts.

@cfetoday there is quite a difference between 14% and 8%. Respectfully, are you sure you don't want to try anastrazole or another aromatase inhibitor? Many of us had minor side effects. I found that if I walked more than 30 minutes, any joint pain eased.

Many of us have found that the manufacturer makes a difference. I tried anastrazole generic, then letrozole generic thinking the problem was anastrazole, but it was the fillers. I ended up doing brand name letrozole (Femara) and toward the end did find a generic that was fine.

I was 63-68 during treatment. I am 9 years out from a grade 3 invasive mixed cancer.

I had mild hair loss. My only issue was stomach problems but then I am prone to that. Very mild hot flashes living in florida didn’t help. I got through five years with little problems. I walked every morning 30 minutes big help with any joint pains which I never had. Keeping weight down was difficult Good luck I hsve been told it is the choice medication.

I had 3 lumpectomy's for DCIS. Just finishing radiation. They wanted me to take anastozole for 5 years. I am not going to take it as there are too many side effects. Bone loss, hot flashes, sleep problems. My chances for reoccurence have dropped to 14% taking the drug would drop it to 8%. With all those side effects and taking something for 5 years. Not worth it for me. I am 66 years old in good health. I just can't see taking a drug with so many side effects. It also can cause blood clots.

The same is true for Tamoxifen brands/fillers. I was fine, very mild side effects (annoying but in no way life altering) until one prescription was a different brand. Leg/foot cramps woke me 3-4 times a night, and night sweats & joint pains were crazy. After a week I was so sleep deprived I couldn’t think straight, so I reached out to my Oncologist. She had me stop taking & we would discuss in 8 weeks at my next appointment.
I did some research and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that different brands can increase side effects. I had already filled the next prescription, which was the same one I was on before. After a 2 week break, tried the “old” brand, and back to very mild side effects.
The pharmacist was skeptical, but when I told her that I would only take this particular brand & would not pick up any other, she agreed to only order my preferred brand. She asked that I have my oncologist revise the prescription to reflect the specific brand in case insurance pushed back.
My oncologist was glad I was back on Tamoxifen, but also kind of skeptical since there aren’t any studies that prove this … she’s great & we had a nice conversation about how Tamoxifen for prevention after invasive BC hasn’t been studied beyond the standard 20mg dose.