Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Thank you!

Absolutely bring up the side effects with oncologist. You might not think of neck as join, but the spine is set of joints, and if one joint is having problems, your body might compensate by tightening muscles, etc…

I suggest keeping track and writing down your symptoms prior to appt. What causes it to be worse, what helps, when it started and anything else that will help oncologist decide what needs to be done.

Laurie

It’s interesting to hear this. I have been taking Letrozole (Femara) for 2 months and have constant pain when I move my neck. The pain even shoots up to the left side of my head. Since it’s not not listed as one the side effects (the neck is not a joint is it?) I’ve assumed it’s unrelated, perhaps to my left shoulder that I fractured over a year ago. I don’t think it’s an aneurism because it only happens when I move the neck. I also feel like I’m having cognitive issues, this is also not a list side effect. I had lumpectomy and radiation, no chemo. I’m 69 and active - walking and yoga every day. I definitely understand the benefits of taking the AI and will keep doing so. I’ve been wondering if it makes any sense to switch from one AI to another since all three seem to have the same chemical reaction in the body (maybe Aromasin is slightly different). I have my first appointment with an oncologist 10/23. Wondering if I should bring any of this up.

@sparklegram @kathyomaha55
I agree with Kathy. Anastrozole gives many of us joint, bone and muscle pains, here and there, and now and then. At our ages, it's convenient to blame everything on anastrozole, but there may be other issues going on for us (like cervical stenosis, for example). If it's muscular, doing gentle neck/shoulder exercises each day may help. If it's vertebrae-related, the exercises won't help and may even hurt the situation. It's best to have a doctor's feedback.

It can cause joint and muscle aches/pain. I assume anywhere - my hands, toes & shoulders hurt. I'd check with your doctor, because it may be unrelated.

Has anyone had severe neck pain as a side effect of Arimidex? I've been taking it for almost two years with a load of side effects, but this pain is a new one. I've never had neck pain before. However I am 75, so I'm wondering is this from being an old lady or is it yet another side effect of Arimidex (Anastrozole).

I just googled ‘Anastrozole and cognitive function’ and a lot of information came up. I reviewed many of these articles. You can also google ‘memory with Anastrozole’, ‘how low estrogen effects memory’, etc. I found a lot information with just general searches. There was one in particular that was from early 2019 that described my situation very well, but of course... I can’t find it again!! If anybody else comes across information regarding memory and low estrogen, please post! My doctor switched me to exemestane about 2 weeks ago and so far so good!! I haven’t experienced ANY side effects! But it’s likely too early to tell if side effects are in my future with this drug also...

Hi Lisman 1408. I too am having serious memory issues with anazatrozole. Can you please share the links to the info you found?

I was starting to think I was only one with the vaginitis side effect!
Atrophic vulvovaginitis...gradually got worse over the 5 years on Anastrozole. I Consulted with GYN and confirmed ok by Oncology to treat with estradiol 10mcg (Vagifem) with good results past 2 weeks.
I too am considered low risk for reoccurrence (stage 1 ER+ right and DCIS stage 0 left 2014). I should add that Osteoporosis did worsen while on Anastrozole for which I’m now treated with Prolia injections.
Coping with worry about reoccurring cancer with yoga and meditation with fair success. Best of luck to you and thanks so much for sharing your story 💕

The worst side effect for me on both Anastrozole and Tomoxifin was brain fog, memory issues. After some research, I have found much information about estrogen playing a role in cognitive functioning. I feared I was heading into dementia. After stopping those drugs, my cognitive abilities have returned to normal.