Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

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.

I have been on anastrozole for 4 months. I take it out night before I go to bed because I was worried about nausea. I also have osteoarthritis and polyarthritis. I take tumeric capsules and I try to walk 5 miles daily because I was told walking can be helpful.

Have you checked Exemestan? It is slightly different AI but should have the same effect.

I have been on anastrozole for 10 months. I have for the last 7 months had pain in and lower back. Because I was diagnosed with arthritis in both areas, I thought that was my problem, until I read some of the comments here. I also had a reduction done on my other breast at the same time as the mastectomy. I also have pain and soreness in that breast for over 10 months now. The surgery scars have keloids, and they are painful and sore. I would like any information from others as to ways to cope with this as I have to be on the medication for 5 years.

Thanks!

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.

I have a dairy allergy (caseine) so that is a bit different. I also avoid gluten. Have you checked ingredients for all the manufacturers?
Teva and Accord tend to be good companies in terms of ingredients. There' s one other one that starts with R, sorry can't remember.

Thank you for the thread link! I’ve been told by my MO that I will start anastrozole after I finish radiation at the end of February. I am lactose-sensitive and gluten-free, so have been doing a lactose-free/gluten-free for the last year which as dramatically decreased my arthritis symptoms. I now see that anastrozole has 65 mg of lactose in it, and letrozole has 45 mg! I do think these 2 AI’s have the best impact on invasive lobular (ILC) so I’m really torn. Anyone who is lactose-free taking anastrozole? Help!

Welcome, @5miler
Here's the link to start reading the discussion thread from the beginning.
- Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-completed-all-treatments-for-breast-cancer-but-now-i-am-supposed/

Yes, my hair is thinning.