Letrozole Side effects

I am just starting year six, having been offered a further five years of letrazole. Joint pain has got progressively worse, the fatigue is manageable. About a year ago I developed the "one in a thousand" side effect of being allergic to sunshine, so it's long sleeves, long skirts/dresses/trousers and hats for me!

Yes, the side effects do impact quite a bit but the peace of mind outweighs them so far.

Have any of you ladies found better ways to take this medication, to help ease side effects?

Morning with food, or without? Tea-time, with food, or without? Bed-time? (was wondering if you could sleep through the side effects).

With regards to sleep, I can win awards for sleeping at the best of time - so I'm dreading what I'll be like when I start this.

Thank you xx

[Edited by admin]

Would you mind me sending you a friend request, its with regards to sleep and thyroid? Thank you xx

Hi WhatHappened,

I take  a Curcumin supplement its the active ingredient of Tumeric. Also take vitamin D3 and K2, vitamin B complex,  and Omega 3 capsule.

Also another natural anti inflammatory pain relief food supplement available at Holland and Barrett which we are not allowed to mention on this site.

I take all the above for pain relief, to aid bones and joints. 

who did you want a friend request from, WhatHappened?

Hello Mistymoley,
I would like to be friends with your good self and Snowys Mum - I won't be offended if you don't want to be, honest xxx

My GP's reaction to me asking for Femara was to suggest I change to a different drug altogether!  CIPLA made me so stiff and painful I was using disabled loos and had a stick to help me out of chairs.  Have tried Accord with only slightly better effects and am no trying Activis which is slightly better again for me although my wrists have started hurting which is new.  It's clear that everyone has a different experience.  The worst part is trying to get the Chemistnto comply.  They are miserable and rude and make it clear what a nuisance I am.  I am just back from there now.  Although my doctor has specified Activis, they tried to palm me off with an old Accord prescription that I cancelled and went elsewhere to get the one I wanted.  I actually hate them and going there now.  There's another 4 years to go!  Phone just rang as I was typing and they tell me in a cheerful,voice that my Activis has come in this afternoon (it was already there reallly) and not in 4 days as they literally just told me.  Such BS should have a health warning on it.

Friend request sent, @whathappened

Hi Karen

I have been on Letrozole for a year now and the side effects are hideous, I was not aware of alternatives. Did you go back to your oncologist or did your GP change your medication.? I am going to ask the oncologist if he will change me to the Femara version of Letrozole but I have not heard of Anatrozole.

My side effects are very thin hair, stiff joints, pain in hands knees and hips. If I sit for even 10 mins I cannot get out of the chair and my legs will just not move. If anyone else has advise around this I would be very interested. I Have got arthritis but not extensively and I am exercising daily and not suffereing at all with fatigue just rotten pains.

Hi there,

Just curious, did you check with the pharmacist that he did gave you the same pills or brand as the previous ones?