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Severe side effects after only 7 weeks Anastrozole. Next drug?

Posted by kayleenchilds @kayleenchilds, Oct 11 11:18am

I have ALS and LCIS. I had a lumpectomy in July 2024 and began Anastrozole. After 7 weeks the burning scalp, hair falling out and vision problems were so bad I had to stop. Now I don’t know which drug to try. I have to decide by Oct 30th. Can anyone out there tell me of your experiences? I am 72. Also it is so wrong and confusing that LCIS is called lobular CANCER in situ but it isn’t cancer!

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myoga | @myoga | Oct 19 1:25pm

@sally484 Thank you for your response. After gaining quite a few lbs on anastrozole I have been careful with my diet. Still I gained another few lbs on exemestane. I have experienced occasional nervousness but no tiredness. The itchiness bothers me but tolerable. I don’t want to go back anastrozole for fear of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hugs.

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sue417 | @sue417 | Oct 19 7:06pm

Hi
I respect everyone's decision to take AI's . I do not know what stages you all are at I was lucky and had early stage DC.I.S her 2 negative hormone positive. My oncologist Would not put me on an AI because of my osteoporosis. I have a spinal compression fracture. I tried tamoxifen and it was a nightmare so I am not taking anything. The side effects to those drugs are so horrible and I don't understand why they can't do more for women that do take them. It's hard enough being in menopause and not being able to take anything. I wish you all the best.

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Rom828 | @jgallagher04921 | Oct 20 5:48am

I was only able to tolerate Anastrozole for 4 weeks. My body ached all over like I had the flu and was crying for no reason several times a day. Onc switched me to Exemestane and I felt the difference in just a days. My body tolerates it very well, just some aches and pains here and there but goes away in a few days and what gets achy changes. I am exhausted by 6pm every night but I wake up w full energy. I take it at night.

I hope you find something that works for YOU! ❤️

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sally484 | @sally484 | Oct 20 10:10am
In reply to @myoga "@sally484 Thank you for your response. After gaining quite a few lbs on anastrozole I have..." + (show)
@myoga

@sally484 Thank you for your response. After gaining quite a few lbs on anastrozole I have been careful with my diet. Still I gained another few lbs on exemestane. I have experienced occasional nervousness but no tiredness. The itchiness bothers me but tolerable. I don’t want to go back anastrozole for fear of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hugs.

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I seem to have lost my sense of smell and my taste so I'm not a big eater. The only thing I can contribute my little bit of weight gain is the meds. I'm so happy they don't make you tired! Sometimes I feel like a walking zombie. It doesn't stop me from doing things, just constantly going with no energy. I would think the itchiness would make you a bit nervous. Sometimes that can drive you nuts!! Hoping everything works out for you!!

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myoga | @myoga | Oct 20 1:08pm

You’re probably right about the itchiness making me nervous. I now pay attention to little aches and pains and wonder if those are symptoms of something more sinister. It must be very hard on you trying to do things with not much energy! I guess we just keep going and hope some day it’ll be better. ❤️

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