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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vsunshine18 | @vsunshine18 | Jan 29, 2023

No hair loss but alot of joint pain.

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callalloo | @callalloo | Jan 28, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "HOPFFUL64 I am 81 and I am to go on anastrozole but I have not heard..." + (show)
@marcia115

HOPFFUL64
I am 81 and I am to go on anastrozole but I have not heard one good thing
about it. I also heard that when this person stoped taking the pill for 5 years
she got breast cancer again. I don't want the pains in my arms and legs and for
sure I don't want depression. I may just forget the pill.

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Do you know what your recurrence risk is? If it's very low, your oncologist might be open to your skipping the anti-hormone drugs. I don't know if you had any genomic testing done but some of the tests, e.g., the Oncotype DX, yield a recurrence risk score based on the cancer tissue submitted to the company. Knowing your risk number can be very helpful. I tried anastrozole and did not tolerate it at all but have a low risk of recurrence so discontinued the drug.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 28, 2023
In reply to @happyat65 "I am scared to not be on the medicine. When I called my oncologist’s office they..." + (show)
@happyat65

I am scared to not be on the medicine. When I called my oncologist’s office they told me to not take the medicine till my appointment. I am going to ask my oncologist to change me to another medication. Anyone on exemestine? What side effects have you had? I would appreciate any feedback.

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It is not always the medicine causing a reaction, but sometimes the fillers. I switched from anastrazole to letrozole and when I still had a sensitivity, switched to another manufacturer and finally to the brand name, to which I had no reaction. You find an aromatase inhibitor you can take but I encourage you to try different manufacturers- and/or brand name- before giving up. (There is also tamoxifen....)

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1 reply
Young@65 | @happyat65 | Jan 28, 2023
In reply to @amajok "So sorry that you got that very rare side effect. Maybe it was an one-off? Do..." + (show)
@amajok

So sorry that you got that very rare side effect. Maybe it was an one-off? Do you dare try one more time?

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I am scared to not be on the medicine. When I called my oncologist’s office they told me to not take the medicine till my appointment. I am going to ask my oncologist to change me to another medication. Anyone on exemestine? What side effects have you had? I would appreciate any feedback.

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2 replies
amajok | @amajok | Jan 28, 2023
In reply to @happyat65 "Has anyone had an allergic reaction while taking anastrozide? I have had two angioedema reactions. The..." + (show)
@happyat65

Has anyone had an allergic reaction while taking anastrozide? I have had two angioedema reactions. The doctors thought it was connected to my blood pressure medicine, but angioedema is a side effect of anastrozide. No longer taking it till I go back to my oncologist.

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So sorry that you got that very rare side effect. Maybe it was an one-off? Do you dare try one more time?

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1 reply
nor7 | @nor7 | Jan 27, 2023

Hi I have been on it for 6 months now. I have some joint pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 26, 2023

My cousin is facing chemo and going with her to the appointment made me remember how lucky we are to be needing hormonal therapies only.

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amajok | @amajok | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @happyat65 "Has anyone had side effects on exemestan? I am going to ask my oncologist to change..." + (show)
@happyat65

Has anyone had side effects on exemestan? I am going to ask my oncologist to change my drug? I am scared to not finish out my 5 years. I have two years completed on anastrozide. Since I am hypertensive, and history of heart disease from both parents I’m worried about another stroke.

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I am going to switch to Exemestane. according to information, it should not raise blood lipids like Anastrozole does.

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Young@65 | @happyat65 | Jan 25, 2023

Has anyone had side effects on exemestan? I am going to ask my oncologist to change my drug? I am scared to not finish out my 5 years. I have two years completed on anastrozide. Since I am hypertensive, and history of heart disease from both parents I’m worried about another stroke.

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1 reply
debbie2721 | @debbie2721 | Jan 24, 2023
In reply to @msgee "Thank you debbie2721. I am 80 years old, and I also have osteopenia in my hips..." + (show)
@msgee

Thank you debbie2721. I am 80 years old, and I also have osteopenia in my hips and lower back. I used to walk about 40 minutes outside twice per day, until I had the mastectomy. I also have Asthma and just don't feel up to walking now that it is winter. I use turmeric in my cooking. Never tried the capsules. I take amlodipine for high blood pressure, as well as medicine for asthma control. I have notice that I get tightness and pressure after I take the anastrozole. I will try taking it at bedtime and seeif that makes a difference.

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Dear msgee,
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. Asthma in itself is a difficult health concern. Wishing you the best at overcoming your health issues.
Debbie2721

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