Due to start taking Letrozole tomorrow, but not looking forward to side effects

Hi

I’m on Letrozole and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis I’m also on Zoledronic acid infusions every 6 months for 3 years- may be worth asking if that’s feasible for you too?

I already had tinnitus in both ears but have to say that I’ve not noticed it being worse so hopefully same would be the case for you. To help with joints I’m taking Solgar magnesium citrate (800 mg at night) - I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but I ran out of this dose about 3 weeks ago and started taking some that were 500mg mixed magnesium citrate & oxide and my joints have been worse. So back on the higher dose from today and I’ll be interested to see if it improves again (if it does and it’s purely placebo, frankly I don’t care!)

Hi Mollusc

Thanks for your reply.

Bisphosphonate were mentioned at clinic, last week but, first I'm to have a Dexa scan to check the state of bone.  I got the impression this would be a base-line but assumed, if not brilliant, then something would be considered.  I had a Dexa scan about 10 yrs ago, after I'd broken my ankle but it was +3, or something, so considered good.

As for the Magnesium, and the drop in dose, I find very interesting.  I seem to remember being recomended Magnesium (spray to skin and rub in) for night cramps.  I didn't feel it was effective so stopped.  I've still got them.

Did you start taking Magnesium before joint pains started or as a result of joint pains, with Letrozole, please?  I suspect as a result of ...

Many thanks for your help

Hi

No, I actually started taking the magnesium (plus tart cherry capsules) pre- Letrozole, whilst still on tamoxifen ( I had six months of that first) to help with sleep and to fend off an possible  joint aches from that and just kept going! I also take Loretadine antihistamine for allergies and some people have reported  that helps with the Letrozole aches. The joint pains and fatigue have definitely only become an issue  ( and I must say the fatigue is worse than the joint pains- back to just post-radiotherapy level fatigue I reckon) in the last two weeks. I’m now just finishing my second month of Letrozole. I don’t get pains/stiffness in my hands though - hips mainly and feet first thing in the morning 

I didn’t have a DEXA scan pre Zoledronic acid, I was just put on it by my oncologist, which may be an age thing in my case as I’m 49 and they have made me menopausal as part of my treatment 

Wishing you all the very best!

That's very interesting re people reporting Loretadine helping.  I do have some vague allergies and have had problems with tablets, from a particular manufacture, not being effective at all so presumably something to do with the fillers.

I'll see how I go without Magnesium / antihistamins but will bear them in mind if / when I have any issues.  Definitely worth a try of these.

Regarding the Zoledronic Acid, you being younger, is likely the reason you're on that.  I'm 70 now so not quite the same necessity ;) 

Thanks very  much for your help

I do wish you well and hope your treatment plan all goes well. :)

I suppose the age difference would be a factor!

well, I don’t know if it’s purely psychosomatic but I’ve been on the higher dose for two days and my joints are feeling less sore than they have for the last couple of weeks.......

wishing you well too x

I can only see how it goes, eh?  I didn't tolerate Tamoxifen nor Anastrozole well but I will try Magnesium if I start struggling with it - thanks for that tip

Take care, hope all goes well for you