Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

$18, wow! I pay $4 for a 90 day supply of Anastrozole.

Yes - good luck with that. Just FYI - exemestane is very expensive. Check to see what your insurance will pay. Mine was going to pay like 340 a month, but my co-pay was going to be 245 a month. In the end my Oncologist did not switch me. Anastrozole is like 18$ for 90 day supply for me in comparison.

Yes - good luck with that. Just FYI - exemestane is very expensive. Check to see what your insurance will pay. Mine was going to pay like 340 a month, but my co-pay was going to be 245 a month. In the end my Oncologist did not switch me. Anastrozole is like 18$ for 90 day supply for me in comparison.

Trixie, as I've mentioned several times here, I'm taking Arimidex and the side effects are not good! I took an 8 week leave from them (with my Oncologist's OK) and saw relief) i began taking them again on Sept. 9th, hoping they wouldn't return but they have. I have an email into my doctor to see if I can take another test break, returning to the state of health I had BEFORE Arimidex and then try a different drug. Trixie, how long have you been on Exemestane, and how are you feeling? i just read a pretty reassuring article about that drug. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/exemestane-reduces-risk

Sparklegram, I was on Anastrozole for about 6 months and had some awful side effects. The worst being problems with cognitive function and memory loss. I was very fearful that I was starting to slip into dementia. My doctor switched me to Tomoxifin and the cognitive problems were better, but not relieved. She then gave me several months of no meds at all to see if those cognitive issues world get better. Sure enough, after just a month or so of being off meds., my cognitive abilities were fine again. Yes, Anastrozole and other estrogen medications can cause memory issues. At my most recent appointment, about a month ago, my oncologist switched me to Exemestane. So far it’s been ok, with few side effects. Hoping it stays that way for me! Best of luck to you in finding just the right treatment/meds for you. I surely is a challenge!

Trixie, as I've mentioned several times here, I'm taking Arimidex and the side effects are not good! I took an 8 week leave from them (with my Oncologist's OK) and saw relief) i began taking them again on Sept. 9th, hoping they wouldn't return but they have. I have an email into my doctor to see if I can take another test break, returning to the state of health I had BEFORE Arimidex and then try a different drug. Trixie, how long have you been on Exemestane, and how are you feeling? i just read a pretty reassuring article about that drug. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/exemestane-reduces-risk

@cfacarol Yes, by all means speak with your oncologist. If your medical group has access to e-mail, then e-mail your questions. I'm on my third AI (exemestane) and the side effects aren't as bad. The first two were quite difficult to handle. Everyone handles them differently and trying another one might be beneficial. Your doctor may order x-rays of your neck to be sure there is nothing suspicious there, but it could be something as simple as aethritis for which physical therapy can be of help

@kathyomaha55 I start the at the wellness center this week..
I was surprised when he laid in to me about my weight because he had told me 6 months before I would gain with the hysterectomy plus I had started walking and wearing a fit bit; so I was doing 5,000 to 15,000 steps a day!
Good luck on the meds! I could not stand the cloudiness, the aches, the high BP.
We all stand together for support!

Wow - what a jerk! I'd get a new oncologist too. I'm sticking with the anastrozole for now - not sure if I can last the full 5 years. I had 21 radiation treatments. Well hang in there - you are not alone. I'm obese - but am working on that. Joined the YMCA. Small steps.

@kathyomaha55 I did 20 radiation only, my score was 19. Because we had so much breast cancer in family (all 5 maternal great aunts had but in their later years) and the mutation and I am NOT taking any cancer meds (terrible side effects), I believe my oncologist is playing it safe? I just changed oncologist from Sanford Sioux Falls, he called me morbidly obese and weak and I think he was upset I did not want to be a part of his research study. So, my new oncologist is so different and open. He even said my cancer was so close to stage 0. I am going through Avera cancer center