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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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

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msgee | @msgee | Jan 23, 2023

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.

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eaglewings22 | @eaglewings22 | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "I have a dairy allergy (caseine) so that is a bit different. I also avoid gluten...." + (show)
Profile picture for windyshores @windyshores

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.

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Thanks!

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Young@65 | @happyat65 | Jan 22, 2023

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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windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @eaglewings22 "Thank you for the thread link! I’ve been told by my MO that I will start..." + (show)
Profile picture for eaglewings22 @eaglewings22

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!

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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.

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1 reply
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eaglewings22 | @eaglewings22 | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome, @5miler Here's the link to start reading the discussion thread from the beginning. - Concerned..." + (show)
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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/

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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!

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 21, 2023
In reply to @5miler "How do I find the full thread about this?" + (show)
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How do I find the full thread about this?

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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/

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Young@65 | @happyat65 | Jan 21, 2023

Yes, my hair is thinning.

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5miler | @5miler | Jan 21, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @cautiousoptimism. @tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Welcome @cautiousoptimism.
@tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message to this discussion thread. View the full thread to see the great responses from @leemiller @luladavis @maureenkarras and @grandma41. It sure helps to hear from women how have been there!

@cautiousoptimism, What other side effects have you been dealing with?

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How do I find the full thread about this?

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anjalima | @anjalima | Jan 20, 2023
In reply to @gldilli "It’s discouraging to hear that a drug to help your bones (Fosamax) causes joint pain. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for gldilli @gldilli

It’s discouraging to hear that a drug to help your bones (Fosamax) causes joint pain. I recently started adding vitamin K2 to my daily calcium and D3 to see if that helps keep the osteopenia from progressing. I am 18 months away from my next DEXA scan.

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I just called the local radiology clinic where I go. A DEXA is about $275 out of pocket. Insurance says every two years but I want to know if a trend is starting by one year.

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meme5 | @meme5 | Jan 20, 2023
In reply to @artist439 "You're right of course. We are all amazing. My diagnosis was Nov 2021. Surgery Dec. 20/21...." + (show)
Profile picture for artist439 @artist439

You're right of course. We are all amazing. My diagnosis was Nov 2021.
Surgery Dec. 20/21. Radiation treatments April 2022. May was the recovery month . Then my husband died June from Pulmonary Fibrosis. I was his caregiver. The cancer and treatment was a struggle but I was never sick enough to not cook and clean and care for him.❤
Life that summer was a bit of a blur after he passed away. Looking back it is amazing how we put one foot in front of the other and keep enjoying each new day of life.

The anastrozole has thinned my hair a bit, and I get tired and breathless easily, but I have had NO pain with it. Very grateful for that.

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I am very sorry for your loss and all you have been through. I hope this year brings you some happiness and good health.

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