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?

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

anjalima | @anjalima | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @tenayalake86 "This is a recent study. I'm trying to find other sources to post here. If I..." + (show)
@tenayalake86

This is a recent study. I'm trying to find other sources to post here. If I find others, I will let you know.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT05297617?term=arimidex+and+memory+loss&draw=2&rank=1

Jump to this post

I’ll get started here. Thank you.

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Tenaya_Lake | @tenayalake86 | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @anjalima "Could you point me to information about cognitive and memory loss. I have not come across..." + (show)
@anjalima

Could you point me to information about cognitive and memory loss. I have not come across this one in my research travels. That is obviously concerning and I would like to learn more about it. I will discuss with oncologist also. Thank you.

Glad you are tolerating AI well in case you decide to stay the course.

Jump to this post

This is a recent study. I'm trying to find other sources to post here. If I find others, I will let you know.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT05297617?term=arimidex+and+memory+loss&draw=2&rank=1

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3 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 11, 2022

I have not seen cognitive/memory effects listed though it is conceivable lowered estrogen could cause those. I did not experience those at all nor did my friends.

I had a Breast Cancer Index test done that told me risk of recurrence (5.7%, termed "high") and whether continued aromatase inhibitor therapy (letrozole) would be of benefit, and the answer was no. My original ER+ was high at 95% so I was surprised. I wanted to do 7-10 years but went with the BCI, which was black and white yes or no.

ps I would choose a slight effect on memory over cancer spread, though I cannot find any info online on that side effect

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anjalima | @anjalima | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @tenayalake86 "I have been taking anastrozole for almost 3 months. I have few current side effects. The..." + (show)
@tenayalake86

I have been taking anastrozole for almost 3 months. I have few current side effects. The percentage of recurrence seems small even if I don't take it, but I have plans to discuss it further with my oncologist next month. I am most concerned about the long term cognitive and memory issues, because I won't know if or when they are occurring. I need to find out whether there are tests for side effects to the brain. I know he can monitor any potential bone loss, and there are therapies for this possibility. I do exercise. You're right; there are tough decisions.

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Could you point me to information about cognitive and memory loss. I have not come across this one in my research travels. That is obviously concerning and I would like to learn more about it. I will discuss with oncologist also. Thank you.

Glad you are tolerating AI well in case you decide to stay the course.

REPLY
1 reply
Tenaya_Lake | @tenayalake86 | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @anjalima "BC survivors often have tough decisions to make about their future health and quality of life...." + (show)
@anjalima

BC survivors often have tough decisions to make about their future health and quality of life.

I choose to take Anastrozole and I have tolerated it very well for aspects that I can observe. My primary focus is on recurrence prevention. That said I am also focused on mitigating unobservable potential side effects of bone loss with nutrition and weight bearing exercises and nutrition for possible cholesterol elevation. So far things are ok.

If your oncologist feels that AI will limit your recurrence odds I recommend that you try it before assuming that you will have negative QOLife reactions. It’s a daily oral med that can be stopped at any time if it’s intolerable. 🌸

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I have been taking anastrozole for almost 3 months. I have few current side effects. The percentage of recurrence seems small even if I don't take it, but I have plans to discuss it further with my oncologist next month. I am most concerned about the long term cognitive and memory issues, because I won't know if or when they are occurring. I need to find out whether there are tests for side effects to the brain. I know he can monitor any potential bone loss, and there are therapies for this possibility. I do exercise. You're right; there are tough decisions.

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1 reply
anjalima | @anjalima | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @moverland "Zolodonic Acid. I will have to have these infusions every 6 months for the first 3..." + (show)
@moverland

Zolodonic Acid. I will have to have these infusions every 6 months for the first 3 years I am on Letrozole. They are for bone support. I am told the remaining 5 infusions will not have a strong a reaction. I certainly hope so as I have never experienced such pain
( for a week!) in my life!!! Worth it....perhaps.

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Thank you. I hear they get MUCH easier with each one. Also hear that slowing the infusion rate ( upon request) helps also.

Hugs. 🌸

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moverland | @moverland | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @anjalima "What infusion did you have?" + (show)
@anjalima

What infusion did you have?

Jump to this post

Zolodonic Acid. I will have to have these infusions every 6 months for the first 3 years I am on Letrozole. They are for bone support. I am told the remaining 5 infusions will not have a strong a reaction. I certainly hope so as I have never experienced such pain
( for a week!) in my life!!! Worth it....perhaps.

REPLY
1 reply
kseanob | @kseanob | Nov 11, 2022

I chose to be on Anastrozole for 12 years because of my deep wish to avoid metastatic cancer. I had aches and pains, 3 fractures, BUT: I also had peace of mind which is its own benefit.

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anjalima | @anjalima | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @moverland "I refused aromatase meds they first time I had breast cancer (4 yrs ago) w/lumpectomy &..." + (show)
@moverland

I refused aromatase meds they first time I had breast cancer (4 yrs ago) w/lumpectomy & 3-day radiation for the same reason as you: quality of life. I have chronic pain from spine issues & ostopenia & just didn't want to risk even more pain in my life. I had a recurrance this year. This time I had lumpectomyw/3 weeks of radiation. I begrudgingly said yes & an on Letrozole since June. I had minimal side effects & after a HORRIBLE infusion reaction that lasted a week, I now have no side effects & my chronic pain has even lessened!! I never would have expected this result. So us UT worth a try? Perhaps.

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What infusion did you have?

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