Anastrozole- advice please

Hi Helen2021 like all medications, side effects vary from person to person. Some people can take anastrozole without any side effects at all.

I have been on anastrozole for about 5 years now. I started on letrozole but changed to anastrozole after 18 months as I found letrozole crippled me. I am better on anastrozole, but I do make sure I stick to the same brand. It might be a little bit of a trial and error with the brands when you start, to see which brand suits you best. 

Side effects that I have from anastrozole, are aching joints, weight gain, and hot flushes.  When I first started taking it, I had headaches and had difficulty sleeping.  I now take amitriptyline which has helped with both of these.  I also have osteopenia now, so I am on calcium and denosumab for this. 

There is an information sheet about anastrozole. I will put the link HERE for you.

Wishing you all the best 

Thank you so much for this. The leaflet and your practical words will help me so much

Helen2021

Hi Helen

i was on Anastazolle for a few years it was good at first with night sweats which did improve in time. After 3years it became ineffective and I changed meds. I was lucky as I had few side effects. I do hope you too have the same.

all the best

 Sapphi e

Hi Helen

i am due to start on Anastazole soon. Just wondering how do you know it is being effective or not please?

I am having a great debate with myself about whether to take them or not? I am really scared of the possible side effects.

Hi Thank you for this. Can I ask how did you know it was ineffective?

Helen2021

Hi I have just seen your post and it was my immediate question to. I am sure sapphire will respond

We are both at the same stage worrying about what it will do to us and what if we don't take it etc

Take care

Helen 2021

Hi

I knew the drug was not working as my scans showed new activity with the cancer. I also became quite unwell, again showing the drug was not working.

I think you will see symptoms if it is not working, along side scan evidence. 

It is worth giving ago.

All the best

Sapphie

Hi I think Sapphie is right, the only way to know it is not working if there is new activity identified in scans. I’ve been on anastrozole for 5 years, and it has shrunk tumours in my lungs and is  keeping my condition stable. Long may it continue. 

Thank you all for the updates!  Sounds like it is definitely worth giving it a go. I didn’t realise it helps shrink tumours and stuff. I just thought it was for reducing oestrogen.

thanks and good luck all x

My tumours are fed by oestrogen, so the anastrozole stops oestrogen production, and in doing so starves the tumours. Its a very clever little pill in my opinion.  x