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.

Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 4, 2021
In reply to @omega20 "I have been on anastrozole since 1/4/2021. Some days I do not feel great and have..." + (show)
@omega20

I have been on anastrozole since 1/4/2021. Some days I do not feel great and have a tendency to blame the drug. I am now debating whether to take Reclast, Zomata or Prolia for osteoporosis (left hip lumbar neck). Anyone have info on these?

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Hi Omega, Good question about medications for osteoporosis. You might be interested in these related discussions:

- Anyone taking adjuvant bisphosphonates for bone health? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adjuvant-bisphosphonates/

- Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/zometa-infusions/

REPLY
omega20 | @omega20 | Jun 28, 2021
In reply to @leemiller "I've been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have..." + (show)
@leemiller

I've been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have been minimal. My main concern is its contribution to my osteoporosis. I have been seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass.

Jump to this post

I have been on anastrozole since 1/4/2021. Some days I do not feel great and have a tendency to blame the drug. I am now debating whether to take Reclast, Zomata or Prolia for osteoporosis (left hip lumbar neck). Anyone have info on these?

REPLY
1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 26, 2021

I haven’t seen results yet. I’m finding it interesting as when I do my yearly bloodwork, I see it almost the same day & and I’m not seeing it hearing anything. I’ll post when I get results. Thanks

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sandyrob | @sandyrob | Jun 26, 2021
In reply to @sequoia "Thank you jejones. Blood test scheduled for June 24" + (show)
@sequoia

Thank you jejones. Blood test scheduled for June 24

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Hello sequoia..... what was the outcome of June 24 test?

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1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 22, 2021
In reply to @mari "i'm blaming Anastrozole on 2 trigger fingers! Had surgery on 1 pointer finger. Lots f PT..." + (show)
@mari

i'm blaming Anastrozole on 2 trigger fingers! Had surgery on 1 pointer finger. Lots f PT - still lots of pain, stiffness. Anyone have Anastrozole affect eye? Eye Dr. says not caused by Anastrozole But! Its like someone took thumb dipped in grey paint and smeared on lower 1/2 of eye. Blurry! Thats' my close up eye! Anyone have eye problems. ? Please tell - I'd rather go off Anastrozole and get breast checked every month then to have these dreadful side effects!

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I’m sorry you are having these side effects. I’m not having hand or eye issues Yet! How long have you been on it?

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mari | @mari | Jun 22, 2021
In reply to @sequoia "I just today saw my oncologist. I had my surgery 8/2019 and have been on Anastrozole..." + (show)
@sequoia

I just today saw my oncologist. I had my surgery 8/2019 and have been on Anastrozole almost 2 years. I am just starting to have joint aches. The hot flashes are nothing new for me. I'm 68. When I inquired about the level of my estrogen in relation to how the med was working, his response was that he takes it for granted in is working. Estrogen is 'suppose' to be sucked out of my body. He said he would have to see if there was an estrogen test. I am pretty well put off with him. Any opinions. What test should I be asking my doctor for to see if the Anastrozole is actually working. I would like to know if i could take it say every other day to keep my estrogen low or do I REALLY need it every day. Just because the protocol is 1 pill a day for everyone doesn't make it the right dosage. Thanks for your post.

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i'm blaming Anastrozole on 2 trigger fingers! Had surgery on 1 pointer finger. Lots f PT - still lots of pain, stiffness. Anyone have Anastrozole affect eye? Eye Dr. says not caused by Anastrozole But! Its like someone took thumb dipped in grey paint and smeared on lower 1/2 of eye. Blurry! Thats' my close up eye! Anyone have eye problems. ? Please tell - I'd rather go off Anastrozole and get breast checked every month then to have these dreadful side effects!

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 21, 2021
In reply to @alice2oz "I am Her2+ER-. Diagnosed Mets in 2018 in Liver. Lesions NAD on Herceptin Perjeta. Now new..." + (show)
@alice2oz

I am Her2+ER-. Diagnosed Mets in 2018 in Liver. Lesions NAD on Herceptin Perjeta. Now new lesion in Duodenum. On Kadcyla, and needed duodenal stent as lesion was causing blockage. Lesion again stable (NAD on last 2 PET scans. ) A Whipple procedure has been recommended as it is felt they can remove the remaining tumour with clear margins. The surgery souds terrifying
Any thoughts?

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Hi Alice, I can imagine that the Whipple procedure sounds intimidating. To meet others who have had this surgery, I suggest you pop over to the pancreatic cancer group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pancreatic-cancer/

In particular, see this discussion and post your questions there:
- Whipple procedure: What is the recovery like? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-cancer-whipple-procedure/

Alice, how are you doing on Herceptin?

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jejones | @jejones | Jun 21, 2021
In reply to @sandyrob "Yes, same doctor. I have Stage1a, IDC, Pr+ Es+, Her2- . Could have opted out of..." + (show)
@sandyrob

Yes, same doctor. I have Stage1a, IDC, Pr+ Es+, Her2- . Could have opted out of radiation but am doing the 3 day.

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Sounds like great decision!! Blessings on you!

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alice2oz | @alice2oz | Jun 21, 2021

I am Her2+ER-. Diagnosed Mets in 2018 in Liver. Lesions NAD on Herceptin Perjeta. Now new lesion in Duodenum. On Kadcyla, and needed duodenal stent as lesion was causing blockage. Lesion again stable (NAD on last 2 PET scans. ) A Whipple procedure has been recommended as it is felt they can remove the remaining tumour with clear margins. The surgery souds terrifying
Any thoughts?

REPLY
1 reply
sandyrob | @sandyrob | Jun 21, 2021
In reply to @jejones "The higher dose definitely lowered my estrogen after 8 weeks. It was 10mg. I had more..." + (show)
@jejones

The higher dose definitely lowered my estrogen after 8 weeks. It was 10mg. I had more hot flashes and initially, poor sleep. And about 4 weeks in, I started losing my hair (maybe 5-10 strands a day, but definitely more than usual.) Now I am on Letrozole, since end Dec. Hair loss has continued, but I am sleeping and hot flashes are less.

Any chance your oncologist is Dr G at Mayo? Your process is so similar to mine and he is good at getting people on the study.

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Yes, same doctor. I have Stage1a, IDC, Pr+ Es+, Her2- . Could have opted out of radiation but am doing the 3 day.

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