Letrozole side effects

Totally get this.

 Been taking letrozole for three years during which time I've found my knees (especially), elbows, and various other bits ache like I'm 100 years old.

 I'm currently trying magnesium tablets, just started tart cherry, glucosamine and calcium so keeping everything crossed this will have a positive impact.

 Are you taking any supplements? 

Hello,  I totally understand the joint aches and pains on letrozole.  I took Anastrazole for about 3 1/2 years and did pretty well but then all of a sudden everything went bad.  Cranky, more itchy, joint aches, fatigue, trouble sleeping so medical oncologist switched me to letrozole.  Been on it since November and doing ok but have to keep up my stretching, exercises, eating plant based non inflammatory foods and golly I miss my estrogen!!!

You can ask Dr to switch you and see if that helps.  I hope you feel better as it is a pain.  I have a bout 13 months left on aromatase inhibitor and then freedom.  

I've been prescribed Adval (calcium supplements)...but only been on them a week, as wasn't given them at the beginning from different oncologist.

Should they help?

I might mention magnesium to Dr when I see them next. 

Good luck and thanks 

Yeah, you're almost there.  Thanks and yes I miss my hrt

Hi Newyear20263e5b84 

I started Anastrozole in January and I feel exactly same. I think all the AI's cause joint pain. I am feeling like things are slightly improving - but i'm 45 and when I get out of bed in a morning - I also feel like I am 90. I have to do a penguin waddle to the bathroom as my ankles don't work for  mins or so. 

What I have noticed is that the more I move about the better I am - dog walks, exercise, pottering around.  I just try and move as much as I can and nice hot bubble baths before bed and magnesium supplements, like Jax007 suggested. 

Good luck. 

Thanks for your support.  Yes I've adopted a waddle too.  Unfortunately my working week is sedentary,  which doesn't help.  Weekends are better as I am able to get some more walking in.

Good luck too.

Have you made the decision to stop at 5 years Barb?  

Yes that is the plan per my medical oncologist.  I will discuss at my next visit but never mentioned longer therapy. I will party for sure when  i am done.  How are you doing?

I find sour cherry and loratidine (which I take for hayfever) help me too. But more than anything keeping moving and accepting that mornings are a bit stiff and in need of an oil can

Hi there, sorry to hear you've got such bad joint issues. Some people find that a different brand of letrozole makes a difference. Bizarre as that seems, whilst the active medication is the same, the fillers the different companies use in the tablets can have an impact.

The original medication is Femara, but this is expensive, so it's not often prescribed, but another brand that people seem to report as similar is Accord.  Maybe it's worth chatting to your GP about specifying a brand on your prescription, or trying different ones to see if anything is better.

best wishes