Letrozole 2.5

I'm on letrozol for 10 years too. That seems to be the standard protocol now. If you can talk to your GP about the other issues

Hi NanA21

Im in Scotland and on letrozole for 10 years. It is the norm now. And the longer protection the better as far as I’m concerned. However, if you’re having problems, do talk to your GP who might be able to help. Sometimes swapping to a different brand, if available, might make a difference. 

All the best

Linda x

Thanks Linda

Hope you aren’t suffering any side effects of the pills  

Yes , I’ve had many discussions with my GP and will continue my quest to sort my bladder problem out. It’s brought it to a head this last week.  I had to stop taking my pills due to a bout of gastro enteritis and now that’s better I’ve noticed how much better my bladder feels. 

NanA21

HI, I have seen on here that some people find different brands of Letrozole suit some ladies better than others , but no one brand suits all. I have only had 2 brands so far and haven't found any difference in side effects! Your GP will probably be able to help with the bladder infections/sensitivity  or refer you to someone who can. Are you still in touch with your BCN she may be able to offer advice too .We are all different and the type and length of treatment is very indivual.

Welcome to the forum and I hope you get more replies to your query  as many ladies are on this drug.Sending hugs

Thanks Linda for the update on Scotland. I suppose the doctors change their views from time to time. I think my friend said that a dr had told her that after two years it doesn’t have an affect and took her off them. But admittedly that was about six years ago and every case is different. 

All the best

Thanks Kwissy 

Thank you for the welcome. The information is very helpful. Sending a virtual hug back. 

Hi there

Yes, I do get side effects. Sometimes difficult to tell what’s the letrozole and what’s menopausal related. Achy and stiff joints mainly but I take a good supplement and do a stretching routine in early morning. I was slammed into the menopause at 50 due to the chemo so have had lots of symptoms over the past 2 years. Was on tamoxifen initially but switched to letrozole in March now I’m deemed post-menopausal. Actually think the letrozole is a bit better SE wise than tamoxifen was, even though I was expecting the worst. Or maybe my body is getting used to the menopause. Who knows? 

The other bad side effect I’ve had on both tabs (or menopause) is vaginal atrophy, where you are very dry and tight, leading to soreness both inside and out. This condition is also very commonly linked to urinary tract problems. If your cancer was not oestrogen positive, a common treatment would be oestrogen cream. It could really help your UTIs. As I had ER+ cancer, I couldn’t have this but had good discussions with GP who was very supportive as it was making me miserable. I’m only 52 and want a decent relationship with my husband!  I’m using a non hormonal vaginal moisturiser and it’s made the world of difference. Maybe worth discussing with your doctor?  

xx

Hello everyone, hijacking this thread a bit, hope you don’t mind. I’m on letrozole too for 10 years, only started it in February. I’ve had pretty sore joints, mainly the knees but just about bearable...TEVA brand. Last lot was Sun Pharmaceuticals brand (anyone heard of that? There is no brand name on box, you find it on the leaflet inside) I’m finding that brand just the same maybe slightly worse? My question is...does anyone know if you can take glucosamine when you are ER+? Thinking of trying it if so, anything is worth a try or can anyone recommend something else to help the joints? I’ve gone from a relatively fit 59 year old to feeling so unfit due to the aching joints. x

Hi ,

I too get joint pains in the knees and have been taking Glucosamine for a long time . MY GP , Surgeon and Oncologist are all aware of this and have not suggested that I stop it. I am ER+ too. To be honest I  didn't even think there could be a contraindication to it so didn't ask specifically. Perhaps your GP will advise you specifically? I cannot take any of the non steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs as I am allergic to them and glucosamine has been my only help. Hope that your pain subsides -(mine seems worse when the weather is wet but not sure if it is a coincidence!! ) Some ladies find that some brands of Letrozole cause more side effects than others but no one brand suits all unfortunately-as individual as the original cancer maybe. Wishing you well  Kwissy

Thanks for your reply Kwissy. I may start taking the glucosamine and then ask my oncologist about it when I see her...not until October unfortunately!