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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reflector75 | @reflector75 | 7 hours ago
In reply to @srkellen "I have been on a Anastrozole for 6 months. Very tired the first couple months and..." + (show)
@srkellen

I have been on a Anastrozole for 6 months. Very tired the first couple months and a few hot flashes. Now I am less tired but have some mild joint pain. I have experienced low mood and anxiety and started taking Buspirone which has helped. I have always been upbeat and positive and the low mood has been challenging….I don’t feel like I am the same person. I’m determined to stay on it as it brings my chance of recurrence down to 8% for the next 10 years. Has anyone else experienced a change in mood or depression since starting anastrozole. Did it get better over time? Thanks to anyone that can share their experience!

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I can identify with what you write and at present am in a similar position. I too am trying to be positive and forge ahead, I too feel ‘ changed’ but am hopeful things will level out in time. Best wishes.

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lizr5678 | @lizr5678 | 6 hours ago
In reply to @srkellen "I have been on a Anastrozole for 6 months. Very tired the first couple months and..." + (show)
@srkellen

I have been on a Anastrozole for 6 months. Very tired the first couple months and a few hot flashes. Now I am less tired but have some mild joint pain. I have experienced low mood and anxiety and started taking Buspirone which has helped. I have always been upbeat and positive and the low mood has been challenging….I don’t feel like I am the same person. I’m determined to stay on it as it brings my chance of recurrence down to 8% for the next 10 years. Has anyone else experienced a change in mood or depression since starting anastrozole. Did it get better over time? Thanks to anyone that can share their experience!

Jump to this post

I have been on anastrozole for 20 months and I have the same similar experience! My hot flashes are still going on but coping! I am 76 and hoping it is only recommended for 5 years.
It is not our imagination!

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supersphere67 | @supersphere67 | 3 hours ago

I had triple negative breast cancer and was prescribed this drug. It caused pain in every join escalating to the point of causing me to not function and ended up in ER. I was told taking it would be 50% successful. Not worth the effects. Not using

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1 reply
Mary Ann | @crissma | 1 hour ago
In reply to @supersphere67 "I had triple negative breast cancer and was prescribed this drug. It caused pain in every..." + (show)
@supersphere67

I had triple negative breast cancer and was prescribed this drug. It caused pain in every join escalating to the point of causing me to not function and ended up in ER. I was told taking it would be 50% successful. Not worth the effects. Not using

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I’m so sorry I had triple negative breast cancer 8 years ago. You must have been given a new drug. I hope they find some other drug you can use.

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aubreybill | @aubreybill | 35 minutes ago

On Anastrozole now for 1 year 2 months. The drug definitely worked - reduced the size of my cancer and in some areas eliminated activity on the MRI. A blood test showed the estrogen feeding my cancer in my body has been lowered significantly. Some side effects initially - mood, hair loss, stiffness, hot flashes, fatigue, tummy upset most of the symptoms have seemed to dissipate over time - even my hair has mostly recovered. Still have the stiffness but find exercise/walking so beneficial also a good night's sleep is restorative. Would add definitely had some relief from acupuncture for the stiffness in the early days. As a side bar, have a friend who has been on Anastrozole now for 7 years - no side effects/feeling fine and NO RETURN OF THE CANCER.

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