Side effects of Letrozole

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I have been taking Letrozole for 25 months.  In August last year (16 months into taking Letrozole) I started with recurring UTI's.  After 4 lots of antibiotics, multiple packets of Cystitis relief sachets, three doctors visits, they finally seemed to go away in January (5 months ago).  All I heard from the doctors were "we couldn't grow the bacteria therefore it wasn't a UTI".  My urine is cloudy, smelly and a light pinkish colour on the toilet paper when I have these non-UTI's.  In March another started and I took two lots of Cystitis relief which helped and then 1 month ago another one.  I have now been on Citro-Soda (product from South Africa - containing: Sodium Bicarbonate, tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate) daily to keep them away.

I was referred to a Urologist (she phoned me and during the conversation left much to be desired in her bedside manner), told me that they are NOT UTI's but nevertheless sent me for a Urine flow test to which I have had no response from her and have no clue of the outcome.  I live on edge waiting for the next one.  When my urine is cloudy and I feel the urgency but can only pass a few ml then I know it is on its way.

My question: Can Letrozole be the cause and if so, will it ever go away or is there something more sinister going on?

Secondly, shortly after starting Letrozole (bad timing perhaps), I had a swollen papillae on my tongue that never quite went away.  It settles down but then returns.  Couple of months ago my mouth became extremely sore (burning sensation on my tongue), teeth hurt, blisters developed on my tongue and after Nystatin, it settled down however the papillae is still swollen.  I now have to go for a biopsy.  This will be dealt with but I am curious as to whether the Letrozole is the cause.

  • Hello, I’m Gail one of the clinical information nurses. Thanks for getting in touch. You might find our helpful too Breast Cancer forum useful too.

    Sorry to hear you’re experiencing repeated symptoms of urine infection and no one has been able to identify what’s causing them. Urine infection when taking Letrozole is thought to be rare but can affect 1 in 100 people. There may be a reason your urine tests have not shown an infection and your Urologist is trying to identify another cause for your symptoms by arranging a urine flow test. If it’s been several weeks since your investigation and you don’t have an appointment to discuss the results, you should contact the Consultant’s secretary and check when you’ll be given the results.

    Letrozole can also cause dry mouth and inflammation of the lining of the mouth for 1 in 100 people. However, it is important the persistent change on your tongue is investigated. It may be beneficial to arrange an appointment with the doctor who prescribed letrozole as they may consider switching you to a different medication to monitor whether your symptoms improve.

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref/ GH/AM

    Regards,

    Gail