Letrozole

Poor you! I'm  guessing that you've tried all the usual supplements,  tart cherry,  turmeric, claratyn etc? Also half a dose (which works as well according to research anyway?)

I fully sympathise with you... the  joint pain, stomach upset,  dryness and dizziness was terrible for me,  but the eye issues made me stop them a few weeks ago. I'm speaking to my oncologist on Monday about following other issues put on hold due to covidto and changing blocker as letrozole (even Femara) isn't for me. 

Hi Londonmumof2,

Please let me know how you get on with your Oncologist and which Aromatase Inhibitor he suggests for you.  Quite honestly I feel quite sceptical about the AI's and their side effects.

She suggested changing to exemestane after my initial retinal detachment, but I wanted to work through all the brands first.  Not sure its what I'll do as the  effect is irreversible and it's steroidal.  I will probably work through the anastrozole brands first after my heart is checked. 

Owww , I truly feel for you, I am nearly 3 years (wow where did this time go to) nearly 3 years on Femara/Letrozole and have mainly had finger joint pain 'off and on' - more on than off just lately.  I did have what you are describing as locking fingers, I had it in both of my thumbs, it literally came on 'overnight' the one thumb locked whilst I was asleep, I must of knocked it.  It is known as 'trigger finger'. My doctor said if it didn't settle down, not a problem I could have it operated on (it is a problem to me, I'm a chicken).  Anyway, I looked up trigger finger/thumb and tried different massage technics which were painful but it did take away the trigger thumb.  Now though I have a strange type of feeling in my fingers, I can't seem to grip things, I feel I have not strength in my fingers and if I clench my fist it is like all my fingers are too fat to bend fully and painful.  

I try to put up with this for the added benefits of taking the tablets.  I have recently on and off been taking half a tablet, as there is evidence that we only need 0.5mg of letrozole to get the effect needed, yet the tablets contain 2.5mg's. - the only thing is when I do this I can't help but worry so then go back to a full tablet for a week or so and then drop back down again.  

I have put weight on, so I am thinking this will play a part in increasing joint pain, as more fat available to make oestrogen.  Arrrghhh

Londonmumof2 suggests the Claratyn - antihistamine - I have read so many that take this to help with the joint pain, I've not tried this yet, but, think it might well be worth a go.

Hi, yes Claritin does help, I got joint pain when I began Alendronic Acid (was diagnosed with osteopenia a few years before BC) and asked for it (in those days it could be prescribed) but ran out at one point, then the pain increased, when I went back on them it decreased again. I’ve been told I will need to take Alendronic Acid for at least as long as I’m on Letrozole, but will be swapping onto Tamoxifen soon to see if that prevents too much more bone density loss. 
I also take glucosamine with Chondroitin which I asked BCN about and she said it was fine.

i find that combination plus regular exercise keeps the pains at bay enough to allow a fairly normal life (whatever normal is in these times!) 

Hugs xxx

Hi, yes Claritin does help, I got joint pain when I began Alendronic Acid (was diagnosed with osteopenia a few years before BC) and asked for it (in those days it could be prescribed) but ran out at one point, then the pain increased, when I went back on them it decreased again. I’ve been told I will need to take Alendronic Acid for at least as long as I’m on Letrozole, but will be swapping onto Tamoxifen soon to see if that prevents too much more bone density loss. 
I also take glucosamine with Chondroitin which I asked BCN about and she said it was fine.

i find that combination plus regular exercise keeps the pains at bay enough to allow a fairly normal life (whatever normal is in these times!) 

Hugs xxx

ps, have no idea why the site put on a bullet point, I then tried to edit and it posted again! xxx

Hi WhatHappened,

I'm going to try some Claritin, nothing to loose!  I know what you mean about your fingers feeling as if there too fat when you try to bend them, mine feel also feel like that and yet I've always had such long thin fingers, I'm very slim. I spoke to my GP today she advised to run Ibuprofen Gel on them and to take Cuprofen/Ibuprofen for the pain.  Ahh so its trigger finger, its scary when it happens.  I haven't taken my Femara today, I'm going to have a week off to see if theirs any improvement, I worry about not taking it but I wonder if it will calm down a bit.  Feet are also a prob, I now come down the stairs slowly and sideways!  I've aged 10 years while I've been on them.  

Best Wishes to you, maybe we'll all try the Claritin and boost their Sales!!