Anastrozole Side Effects Anyone?

Firstly, there are lots of different hormone drugs to try f this one doesn't suit and within each, lots of different brands. It has taken me over a year to sort out which exemestane brand works best for me.

If you're already post-menopausal then the main things would probably be joint pain but most people finds this settles quickly in the day with activity. I was told it takes a good 6 months for side effects to settle, and for me I have found it to be even longer in terms of pain, I had wrist pain quite badly from abut month 3 o 9, but that has now settled.

I was also put into a medical menoapsue, so that was far worse for me as a sudden menopause is intense. I didn't notice a huge difference, other than increased joint pain if I sat for too long or first thing in the morning, when I started exemestane. For me, the alternative is far worse and I don't want any 'what if's. I had already gone through chemo so taking everything else they threw at me seemed sensible.

Why don't you give them a go and see how you get on? I started exemestane every 2nd day for a month to let my body get used to it.

Don't be scared of it; everyone's experience is indeed different but you won't know until you try.  I'm about 4 months in, and am finding it very manageable - my joints are a bit stiff until I get going but that's about it (so far...)

I forgot the hot flushes are back too, but I tend to think of them as power surges.

Hit there iv been on Anastrozole for 3 years i call it my keep me a live pill Lol .It took some getting used to but found out it wasn't the tablet it was the aftereffects of the treatment so bare with it if not just ask to change . Good luck and all the best keep kicking its Ass 

Hi, I’ve been taking it for 13 months. I get ankle joint aches, but nothing much more than that. I can live with it. Hope that helps, xx

Hi,

I had the same thoughts as you when I started.  I was prescribed Anastrozole and decided that I didn't want to take it due to potential side effects.  However,  as Beatthebreast says there are lots of different drugs to try if you don't get on with it. 

I decided to give it a go.  And I was fine - I think the questions will always be around side effects of these drugs because those that are ok on them won't be posting necessarily.

I was given a different brand of drug for Anastrozole once and I was hit with side effects, so the coatings can make a huge difference too.  I was ok on Teva or Accord Brand.  

Try giving them a go, give it time and if you struggle with the side effects, test a different brand - Consilient was awful for me, and then if not, as suggested speak to your team about other drugs available.

I have just finished the 5 years and tbh don't like coming off them, so as I have got a couple of months of packets (there was a point when the brand I wanted was unavailable in all pharmacies - Brexit - so I started ordering after this, a week or so early each time) and I am now taking half a tablet a day until I run out - even though I have been signed off them!  I know this is psychological and should actually stop taking them but it makes me feel a bit safer.   Funny how I went from 'not going to take them' to taking them longer than I should!

Best Wishes, Lesley