Letrozole

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Hi not sure is there is any help out there but thought I would ask.

I have to take Letrozole for the next 9 years having already completed one. I guess I was lucky I was given Sun Pharma brand (which had mild joint pain in legs but soon wore off) and I was able to get these for 10/11 months . My regular pharmacy closed and for the last 3 months I have had to take Accord brand as no pharmacy was able to obtain Sun Pharma brand in spite it being stated on my prescription.. This has caused me a frozen shoulder and what I think may be carpel tunnel in opposite arm. I have managed to get Sun Pharma after ringing about 20 pharmacies been on it 5 days and a very slight improvement in pain.

Can I ask if these symptoms will correct themselves over time as long as I take no more of Accord . Also how can I guarantee taking Sun Pharma which are ok in comparison without ringing round every pharmacy for the next 9 years. I understand there is a supply issue and I am too frightened not to take this drug. Please help if you can. I had Breast cancer ILC diagnosed in Oct 21, had a mastectomy and node clearance in Nov 21, x6 chemo Dec 21 -April 22 and x15 radiotherapy May-June 22. Then Ibandronic acid and Letrozole meds .

This is getting me down as I worry about recurrence if I don't take these scans showed NED any where else .Hope you can help GP unable to x

Amy C- Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi Janemb ,

My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Thanks for reaching out to us. I’m sorry you are unable to consistently get the Sun Pharma brand of Letrozole. Many people struggle to get their preferred brand, as you may have already seen on our online community forums.

There is no easy answer to your question. And no way to predict who is going to tolerate what brand more than another.

It would be worth asking your pharmacist whether they are able to request the Sun Pharma brand for you, or has the recent change been due to supply issues. If this is not supply related, you could speak to your GP about getting Sun Pharma prescribed rather than the generic letrozole.

This sometimes comes with an increased cost and reluctance from the GP. It also means if the pharmacy does not have the prescribed name brand available they cannot offer an alternative.

The symptoms should start to settle down once you stop taking letrozole, and for some, switching to the alternative brand can help symptoms improve. You may find this link about side effects useful.

It would be worth getting in touch with your GP or physiotherapist to have your wrist reviewed; if it is carpal tunnel syndrome, you may benefit from a wrist splint.

Worrying about cancer coming back is normal. And finding your new normal after cancer treatment can take time. You may find it helpful to explore all the ways we can help, to try find what feels right for you.

We often find we can help more by exploring these questions over the phone. If this is something you think would help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

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: AC/GG

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Letrozole