Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@feistylf
I had horrific headaches with anastrozole and letrozole. Since going on exemestane, I have had no more headache and I also haven't had any bone or joint aches. Headaches are a side effect of anastrozole and there is no shame in changing medications. If one doesn't work, don't be fearful of trying another. Check and see if your facility has a "Strength After Breast Cancer" program. I belong to Kaiser which promotes this twice-weekly exercise program of warm up, stretching, core training exercises, weight training exercises, followed by stretching again. It only takes me about 30 minutes to do and I feel so much better afterward. I had a thalamic stroke on Memorial Day and recovered rapidly to the amazement of hospital occupational therapist, doctors, and my physical therapist, but attribute it to all the benefits from that exercise program! In addition, I was instructed to walk every day and my hubby takes me out for a 2 to 3.5 mile walk now.

@dianamiracle
After all the side effects from anastrazole and letrozole, I went on exemestane and haven't looked back. I don't seem to have the bone and joint aches as with the first two, nor do I have the horrific headaches I had with them. I've been on exemestane now for about 9 months. I do get "heat bombs" and sometimes have trouble with insomnia but have a Nook so don't fight the nights with that and just read. For constipation, I eat about 3-4 prunes a day and haven't had a problem since starting that. What we have to learn to do with these drugs...crazy!

For insomnia I got a vape pen from local marijuana dispensary with a little oil product and have two or three tokes when I climb into bed. It’s a miracle! Ask for the kind that helps you sleep. It’s legal in Michigan.

To everyone - I was on anastrazole - horrible side effects immediately so I had to stop. Took letrozole and after two weeks could not handle it. Started eximestrane two weeks ago and so far so good. Only side effect is a bit of constipation. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s good to know there is another choice of medication if the side effects get worse. I have heard, and I am hoping, that when I finish the medication the side effects will stop as well. I am 1 1/2 years in.

Thank you everyone for your replies, your feedback is very helpful. I was able to email my doc and he also feels the headaches are unrelated to the anastrozole as they came on so suddenly. He said It could be due to viral illness or other issues and if doesn’t resolve on its own they can do additional testing. I have my 3 month appt in a few weeks so hopefully I can hold out until then. Today no headache, so fingers crossed. I want to try to stay on anastrozole if I can, but I did write down the other meds you mentioned to discuss with my doc to see if those could be better. And I do need to exercise more and maybe add yoga. I feel more sluggish than I did when I was on the chemo :-/

On anastrozole one of the strange side effects was my toes and shoulders were achy - but after about 6 months that side effect went away. The pain in my hands only got worse - so after 12 months I switched to Exemestane. My hand pain is either 0 or 1 now, where before it was about a 7 for 24/7. Still suffering insomnia and hot flashes - those never go away. Closing in on 2 years now. I hope to go the full 5 years.

@feistylf
Yes, my side effects changed from time to time, for what that's worth. After about two years, I stopped noticing them or perhaps some just went away. The only one which annoys me is the trigger thumb. I'll get a shot in my thumb for it, but it returns after several months.

I am 75 yrs old and have been taking Anastrozole for 2 years and 2 months. I had back pain during the first year but it comes and goes and mostly now it is gone. I also developed trigger finger on both hands, the middle finger. It has improved and also comes and goes . I have not had headaches. I keep active biking and/or walking. I exercise at least an hour a day and usually more. The best thing to reduce side effects is to walk every day. I suggest you discuss your side effects with your oncologist. It is possible to have physical Issues that are not related to Anastrozole. A three day headache should be checked.

@feistylf, Anastozole was the first AI my doctor prescribed after my cancer surgery. I stayed on it for a year and a half, and experienced all of the side effects you've mentioned here except headaches. Finally, I couldn't tolerate it anymore and tried Exemestane. I also had side effects from that drug. Finally my doctor prescribed Tamoxifen and I've been taking that for quite a long time with very few side effects at all. I hope you find some relief soon. I would definitely recommend a conference with your Oncologist.