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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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 19, 2019

I will be 66 in August. I’m currently on a break from cancer meds., but will be going back on Tomoxifin in September. I couldn’t manage the side effects of Anastrozole. My oncologist has given me a break from meds. for a few months. I’m not looking forward to returning to taking it... But I do feel like being on Tomoxifin is better than the return of cancer. Having cancer, then meds. that have miserable side effects is no fun at all; but for me, the alternative of breast cancer returning is even worse! I’ve truly learned from all this what it means to ‘pick your battles’!

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 18, 2019

The risk of blood clots and uterine cancer is minuscule. its prescribed a lot.

elizm | @elizm | Jul 18, 2019

In reply to @kathyomaha55 "I'm almost 64, in another 4 weeks. I thought that only worked for pre-menopausal women." + (show)

@kathyomaha55
Yes, normally tamoxifen is prescribed to pre-menopausal women, but upon occasion, when none of the AIs are patient-compatible, an oncologist may prescribe it. There are trade-offs, however, like increased risk of uterine cancer and blood clots. Your oncologist is the best source of information on all this.

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jul 18, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "Is Tomoxifen an option" + (show)

I'm almost 64, in another 4 weeks. I thought that only worked for pre-menopausal women.

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 18, 2019

Is Tomoxifen an option

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jul 18, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "Let me know when you find out the name of the shot medicene." + (show)

Will do! As you can see I'm trying everything!!

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 18, 2019

Let me know when you find out the name of the shot medicene.

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 18, 2019

Tumeric did not do anything for me. Changing to Tomoxifen did reduce the joint pain.

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jul 18, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "kathy - have you tried gel shots for your knees. They work better than cortisone" + (show)

I'm looking in to that now - my insurance will only pay for a certain kind of shot - I need to find out the name of it. THANKS!

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jul 18, 2019

In reply to @elizm "@kathyomaha55 Well... shoot!" + (show)

I have also tried CBD Oil - pretty much the same result, that is nothing. I see the oncologist on 7/31. I am going to ask her about Tumeric, as some people said that helped them. Also going to ask her about taking a "med vacation". I started taking this in November 2018. Some side effects got a lot better. Insomnia, and dry eyes are no so much of a problem these days. Most annoying side effect now is my hands aching all the time. I take Meloxicam, and Tylenol and they only help slightly,