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?

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guntherbear | @guntherbear | Nov 15, 2019
In reply to @baker1 "I had my 1year mammogram today, all clear! Yea! Now my oncologist is recommending that I..." + (show)
@baker1

I had my 1year mammogram today, all clear! Yea! Now my oncologist is recommending that I take Prolia injections twice a year to reduce the chances of my osteopenia progressing to osteoporosis.
I have seen some discussion about this awhile ago but I can’t find that thread. I would like to hear from someone who has taken this. What was your experience good/bad. I’m trying to decide whether or not to take it.

Jump to this post

I had my first prolia shot in July and I felt a little achy the next day. That’s all thank god. My next shot is in January. My oncologist said he would to keep me on this forever. I am 54 years old. Hope this is helpful 😊

REPLY
2 replies
dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Nov 15, 2019
In reply to @baker1 "I am at the one year mark for taking Anastrozol. I have soreness everywhere but mostly..." + (show)
@baker1

I am at the one year mark for taking Anastrozol. I have soreness everywhere but mostly in my back on the right side. The doctor said that it may be because I am right handed. That back muscle gets used more and therefore is more sore. Because I already had the beginnings of osteopenia before starting Anastrozol the doctor strongly recommend that I have the Prolia injections but is leaving it up to me to decide.

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Thank you. Please keep us posted on your decision regarding Prolia. Denise

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baker1 | @baker1 | Nov 15, 2019
In reply to @roch "My oncologist has also order a drug to help with bone loss. I have IV injection..." + (show)
@roch

My oncologist has also order a drug to help with bone loss. I have IV injection of zoledronic acid (ZOMETA) every 6 months.
The day after IV I had mild side effects. Sort of like mild flu symptoms. The nurse told me that is common side effect.

I was also told not to have any dental procedures around time I was having IV done.

So glad your test came out OK.

Laurie

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Thanks for your reply @roach, Laurie. I'm not sure about this Porlia injection. The printout I was given about its side effects is concerning. Ten different side effects serious enough to report to the doctor ASAP! Also needing clearance from my dentist too! It is a bit scary.

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baker1 | @baker1 | Nov 15, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "Hi- Congrats on your good news! I am interested to find out what different options are..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

Hi- Congrats on your good news! I am interested to find out what different
options are available for delaying osteoporosis. I am on my first year of
Anastrazole and want to do anything I can to help my bones.
Denise

Jump to this post

I am at the one year mark for taking Anastrozol. I have soreness everywhere but mostly in my back on the right side. The doctor said that it may be because I am right handed. That back muscle gets used more and therefore is more sore. Because I already had the beginnings of osteopenia before starting Anastrozol the doctor strongly recommend that I have the Prolia injections but is leaving it up to me to decide.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Nov 15, 2019
In reply to @baker1 "I had my 1year mammogram today, all clear! Yea! Now my oncologist is recommending that I..." + (show)
@baker1

I had my 1year mammogram today, all clear! Yea! Now my oncologist is recommending that I take Prolia injections twice a year to reduce the chances of my osteopenia progressing to osteoporosis.
I have seen some discussion about this awhile ago but I can’t find that thread. I would like to hear from someone who has taken this. What was your experience good/bad. I’m trying to decide whether or not to take it.

Jump to this post

My oncologist has also order a drug to help with bone loss. I have IV injection of zoledronic acid (ZOMETA) every 6 months.
The day after IV I had mild side effects. Sort of like mild flu symptoms. The nurse told me that is common side effect.

I was also told not to have any dental procedures around time I was having IV done.

So glad your test came out OK.

Laurie

REPLY
1 reply
dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Nov 14, 2019
In reply to @elizm "@dmgweiss @kathyomaha55 Hi, Denise. Yes, bones are a worry for those of us on AIs. I..." + (show)
@elizm

@dmgweiss @kathyomaha55
Hi, Denise.
Yes, bones are a worry for those of us on AIs. I used to think that calcium and D3 were the answer until I read where an NIH study (also reported by Mayo) warned that the combination can lead to heart disease. I now hold onto the advice that daily (moderately intense) exercise, including weight-bearing exercises, may be the safer option.

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Thanks- might anyone have a link to this study?

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elizm | @elizm | Nov 14, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "Hi- Congrats on your good news! I am interested to find out what different options are..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

Hi- Congrats on your good news! I am interested to find out what different
options are available for delaying osteoporosis. I am on my first year of
Anastrazole and want to do anything I can to help my bones.
Denise

Jump to this post

@dmgweiss @kathyomaha55
Hi, Denise.
Yes, bones are a worry for those of us on AIs. I used to think that calcium and D3 were the answer until I read where an NIH study (also reported by Mayo) warned that the combination can lead to heart disease. I now hold onto the advice that daily (moderately intense) exercise, including weight-bearing exercises, may be the safer option.

REPLY
1 reply
dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Nov 14, 2019
In reply to @kathyomaha55 "Did you get a baseline bone scan - before you started? I had one and they..." + (show)
@kathyomaha55

Did you get a baseline bone scan - before you started? I had one and they told me to take 2,000 units D3 Oil capsules a day. And 1000 of calcium daily. These things will not hurt to take. Discuss this with your oncologist or her nurse. (It's easier to talk to my oncologist's nurse). Good luck.

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Thanks so much. Yes, I am taking D3 and Calcium. I did have a baseline that
showed osteopenia. Would love to do anything that will help.
Denise

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