Letrozole and joint pain

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Hi, Ii started taking letrazole in early November and all was fine to start with. I now find I wake up in the early morning, with joint pain in my knees, hips and shoulders. It does seem better during the day, once I start moving about. When I got my repeat prescription from gp it was a different brand from what was given by the hospital. I don't know if this could be the reason, or if it's just taken a while to build up in my body. Anyone had similar issues on letrazole?

  • Hi yes i am suffering from joint pain in my arms and shoulders , i treated myself to a deep tissue massage on my arms and shoulders and so far so good. It was done by a really experienced sports physio . Ive never had joint pain before. I only have it in my arms and shoulders but i think maybe that is because i do a lot of walking and cardio exercise which helps x

  • Sorry to hear you have also been suffering from joint pain. I walked 2 1/2 mikes every day when first diagnosed, even through chemo. Since I had diep flap reconstruction in October, I've had a tummy wound that has been slow to heal. This resulted on having to put the walks on hold. It's now nearly healed, so I'm hoping to get back to the walking. Perhaps this will also help with my joint pain. 

  • Hi there, many people do seem to report that they get different side effects from different brands. It might be worth asking your pharmacy or GP to specify the first brand you had so you can see if the side effects reduce.  Best wishes 

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  • Thank you, I did make a note of the first brand I was given. If  I continue to have issues, I will do that. Xx

  • Hi

    I am afraid to say the different brands can give you different side effects due to fillers, colours and preservatives. I took a different brand for 2 months and got a frozen shoulder and tendonitis in my opposite wrist . I had to have hospital treatment on my shoulder and wrist is still not right. I fight hard to keep on the same brand going to different pharmacies on occasions. It still has side effects stiff joints etc but are just about manageable so I stick with that. Not prepared to take different ones just incase. Apparently there are lots of different brands and although one may be better too risky to try. Good luck xx

  • Hi, thank you for your reply. Joint pain seems to be only in early hours of the morning, once up and about I don't have it. I do also get a few hot flushes. I have got medication from gp, to help keep this to a minimum. Hopefully as time goes on my body will get used to the meds and things may get a little better. Xx

  • Hello, I have been taking letrozole for 6 months now, I do suffer joint pain but its manageable.  My problem is disturbed sleep every night, I go to bed each day around the same time, 22.00ish, fall asleep but wide awake a couple of hours later finding it impossible to get back to sleep. I read somewhere that someone changed taking it from morning to evening. I have been wondering if this would eliminate the problem for me. Can I just do it or ask oncologist first? TIA

  • I’d defo recommend trying another brand. Chemist should be helpful if you ask to make a note of which grabs you like