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.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @windyshores "@kchiavetta86 I am responding to the 2022 study that you posted first. Please note that the..." + (show)
@windyshores

@kchiavetta86 I am responding to the 2022 study that you posted first. Please note that the quote that you highlighted concerning evaluation of memory and other cognition pertains to chemo, not aromatase inhibitors like anastrazole:

"The FACT-Cog is a self-assessment questionnaire to estimate memory, attention, concentration, language, and thinking abilities of patients before, during, and after chemotherapy. "

I have read about this study. The study controls for the effects of chemo and of cancer itself (for depression and anxiety for example) in order to more accurately attribute side effects to AI's.

The various side effects are being investigated by the study but that does not mean they are common. They are hypothetical for the study.

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Concerning the 2015 study, which has been posted recently by someone else, I urge people to read the entire link. Clearly better studies were needed and are now being done.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 11, 2022

@kchiavetta86 I am responding to the 2022 study that you posted first. Please note that the quote that you highlighted concerning evaluation of memory and other cognition pertains to chemo, not aromatase inhibitors like anastrazole:

"The FACT-Cog is a self-assessment questionnaire to estimate memory, attention, concentration, language, and thinking abilities of patients before, during, and after chemotherapy. "

I have read about this study. The study controls for the effects of chemo and of cancer itself (for depression and anxiety for example) in order to more accurately attribute side effects to AI's.

The various side effects are being investigated by the study but that does not mean they are common. They are hypothetical for the study.

REPLY
1 reply
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

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Time to kick up the meditation practice which in addition to reducing stress, expands the cognitive function of the brain.

I’m all into mitigating!

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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

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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.

Jump to this post

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.

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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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