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When do side effects of anastrozole begin?

Posted by meomurian @meomurian, Oct 28, 2023

I will be starting my first day on anastrozole and wanted to know when I should expect to see any side effects. Also, what time of day is best to take it?

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beyourownadvocate | @beyourownadvocate | Jan 27 4:16pm

I found the side effects happened gradually.
By the end of five years, the most bothersome was the whole body tissue dryness - inside and out.
By 7-14 days after I was done, everything returned to normal.
Save all the receipts of supplements and OTC products that your doctor suggest. They are tax deductible! Small victories!

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buckokey | @buckokey | Jan 27 8:46pm
In reply to @tullynut "I have been taking Anastrazole for over 5 years. Have had NO side effects at all...." + (show)
Profile picture for tullynut @tullynut

I have been taking Anastrazole for over 5 years. Have had NO side effects at all. I was told to take it at night and have done that.

Some recent studies have found women who take Anastrazole have a lower risk of developing dementia. Dementia runs in my family, mother, sister, brother, so I pay attention to research there.

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@tullynut Glad you’ve not experienced any side effects from anastrozole! I saw my primary doctor today and he’s running tests as I have developed heart palpitations and my cholesterol increased so was placed on medication recently. I
See my oncologist in a couple weeks and am scheduled for surgery (probable mastectomy) mid-March. Important to get regular checkups from PCP or I would never have known about these two concerning issues. So glad my PCP is investigating as oncologist has never checked heart or cholesterol—let alone the other possible side effects. Just when I thought I was in good hands…

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buckokey | @buckokey | Jan 27 8:54pm

I just switched to anastrozole a couple weeks ago after 6 mos. on letrozole which made me so fatigued. I am taking the new med in the morning as I had taken letrozole in evening and just thought I ‘d switch. Today I saw my PCP and he is ordering heart monitor as I’ve developed palpitations (which I’m now learning can be a side effect—along with raising cholesterol do I am back on that med too. I’m really beginning to have reservations about taking these AI’s for years and plan on discussing in great detail with my oncologist. Best of luck on your journey and hopefully you won’t develop any side effects at all!

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kandisn | @kandisn | Jan 30 10:33am

I started the first of April, I have joint pain in my right thumb and lower hand. My first symptoms came in October. Nothing anywhere else as of now.

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