Foot pain - Letrozol

Meanegg ,ai have had this. I had flat feet before Letrozole, and needed orthotics, but the pain got worse after I had started taking it. Also complicated by the fact that I broke my ankle 40 years ago, which has caused arthritis. I think Letrozole attacks your weak points. Having said that, it might be worth your while seeing a podiatrist to see if orthotics might help. Good luck xx

Thanks Seaspirit, sorry you are having pain too! I thought I was one of the lucky ones as have no other side effects (so far) so not impressed that this started!!  Didn’t think of going to a podiatrist but must look into that! Xx

Blooming Letrozole!! I feel like a very old lady and I’m only 104!! (Haha!) Since starting on Let 4 months ago eyesight has deteriorated, joints hurt, knees hurt, shoulders ache…if it wasn’t for walking regularly and taking warm showers twice a day I don’t know how I’d get by.  Talk to oncology tho, they can change your meds although I was told to persevere for as long as possible as next drugs might have same or worse!! Oh Joy!! I wish you well xxx

It’s a nightmare that this medication can cause such side effects! Poor you that sounds awful - I guess I’ve been lucky so far that it’s just my ankle but sounds like I could be in line for some other delightful surprises with it  xxx

Hi I’ve been on Letrozole 4 months now and been given 4 different brands. Each one seems to have given me different levels of aching joints, the latest one, crescent, seems to be the worse or is my body just absorbing the drug so the aches are worse anyway? I’m told to tolerate until I find a brand that suits? Feeling 110 years old especially first thing in the morning, any tips anyone? 

I was on Letrazole for just over 6 months. I already had arthritis and a herniated disc in my spine before taking the medication. Within a very short time of starting Letrazole I started experiencing pains,  different to those I am already having and am accustomed to, in my back, shoulders and yes, the feet. It was the feet that became my biggest issue. The only way I can describe it is it started in ankle joints, moved to the top of feet, eventually went into my toes too. It honestly felt as if I was walking with broken bones in my feet.

I went back to see oncologist and asked could I be changed from Letrazole, she agreed I could be, but warned that there was no guarantee any new meds would be different. I was willing to take the risk, as the thought of carrying on like that for the next 4.5 years was making me very unhappy.

Oncologist put me on Tamoxifen. I still get some joint pain,but nothing like before, and thank goodness my feet appear to be back to normal. I can walk properly again! Yes, I still get the hot flushes too, but again nowhere near as frequent or intense.

The oncologist explained to me that Letrozole is considered to be 'the best' but doesn't suit everyone and that if a patient can manage to stick with it for the first six months that would be the best thing to do. Hope this helps!

Sally

Hi Sally, It’s great that tamoxifen has helped you.  Your ankle pain sounds exactly the same as mine - started with my ankle joint & now moved to top of my foot.  It’s fine if I don’t put weight on it but if I do then it’s really painful! It’s only affecting my right foot though.  I will leave it for another while & maybe it will settle down soon - fingers crossed anyway xx 

I’ve been on Letrozole for 10 months. I have intermittent intense pain in my feet and knees. I’m on a 6-week break and the pain is still there after 4 weeks off. 

You could try acupuncture or sour cherry juice. I hope something settles it for you x