Letrozole side effects

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I'm experiencing a lot of joint pain, especially in my knees, since starting letrozole 3.5 years ago. This is getting really painful now and I have been getting sciatica type pain on the rhs of bottom. Sleep is a struggle as everything seems to hurt when i lie down. I'm taking co-codamol at night (2 x 15mg codeine/500mg paracetamol). Really concerned about stopping taking letrozole as terrified of re-occurrence of breast cancer (grade 3 breast cancer oestrogen positive). But I feel my standard of life is restricted as struggling to exercise/walk far/sleep soundly. Has anyone else weighed up pros/cons for stopping letozole before 5 years? Also are the side effects reversable once medication is stopped? Was going to try collagen supplements but these increase oestrogen levels! Has anyone tried these? Thanks x

  • I'm in the same position as you are. The joint paint is just awful and I'm fairly limited to what I can do.

    My breathing is effected too.

    I just want to be able to go for walks and do normal things without the pain or breathing issues.

    I'm going to talk to my oncologist and see if there is an alternative medication as I can't carry on feeling likecthis

  • It's awful isn't it. Im worried they will extend the time I'm on letrozole when I reach 5 years. When I spoke to my consultant he as good as said taking it is better than the possibility of reoccurence.. Not much help really. Hope yours can give you better advice x

  • Hi Snoopy74

    I’m interested in what they’ve said about your breathing problems , as amongst joint pains I have that, I was told that letrozole is not the culprit and not heard of it as a side affect ….. x

  • I've been on Letrozole for 4 years and due to finish next year. Been on Ibandronic Acid for the four years but this has recently stopped as seems should have only been on it for three.  I seem to have been ok with joint pain and have wondered if this is to do with the fact I am also on antidepressants. Recently lost weight on Slimming World and have started Couch 2 5k too and joint pain nil so far. I am really worried about stopping Letrozole though 

  • Hi what is the Ibandronic acid for?  I am due to start letrozole for 5 years so just researching how I can minimise side effects.  Most worried about hot flashes at night which is kicking my backside at the moment since coming off HRT last month.

  • Ibandronic acid belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. It can be used to: prevent bone weakness or bone fractures caused by breast cancer that has spread to the bones. treat high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia) that can be caused by cancer.

  • I have been on Letrozole 4 years the brain fog got better and my joints were worse in the first year but exercise definitely helped . My feet are hard to bend in the morning first thing . After a few minuites walking about  they are fine . I just get in with it but the brand accord I found better or sun .  It’s the hair kiss like male pattern has got so much worse ,, I have been told I am likely to have to stay in letrozole for another 5 years so have asked for an alternative as it’s really getting me down.  I havent t tried Minoxidil yet not sure if it works? 

  • My feet are awful in the mornings too.. I feel so creaky! I've had to put chest of drawers by the side of bed so I can pull myself off the bed to stand up. Then I lean on to door frame of bathroom til I'm safe to walk! Feel about 100 yrs old sometimes. I do need to do a lot more exercise.. Might go on utube for some tips. 

  • i found pilates on you tube helpful and just walking each day early even for 15 mins just helped me feel more positive even if its raining!  scitica helped when i asked to be referred to a physio, maybe worth a try

  • Thanks so much.. will look at plates. I've been referred by my gp to a physio.. Can take 2 months for referral then have to wait for appointment. My knees are bad at the moment so hopefully will help