Pain in hands, trigger fingers etc

Hi 

Sorry to see you here asking about the Letrozole Trigger Finger and/or Thumb issues - Yes they are fairly common :-/

Can I ask what brand of Letrozole you are taking and have they been the same 'brand' since you started, or recently changed ?

Besides the original Femara (hard to get prescribed re price) there are around 6 generic brands and it can take a while of trial an error to find the one that suits you best.  The drug is the same but is only a small fraction of the tablet make up, the rest being made up of different 'fillers' which is where some find the problem.

There are a lot of discussions regarding this in the Main Breast Group.

Hugs, G n' J

Thank you for asking this question and for responding .

I’ve been struggling with this for the past month but only in one hand. I’m on Teva’s letrozole so thanks to this post, I am now going to try a different brand (Accord). 

I also spoke to my BCN and they are considering a referral to a rheumatologist as I use walking aids and this trigger finger/carpal tunnel/ wrist tendon pain at the bottom of my right thumb makes things tricky. 

thanks again !

Hello Dreamthief and Greenery and thank you for your replies. I think I just get random brands..I am on so many meds my husband organises them into a pill box each night and he doesn't notice the brand.. Ill phone my pharmacist and enquire. 

Hello Greenery..So sorry to hear you have this too.

I too use walking aids ... an elbow crutch .. but thankfully another increase in my pain meds means I don't need it in the house just now. Even with a 'contoured' handgrip I can't take weight through my hand/thumb and Ive been researching alternatives. I saw a similar shaped handgrip but in a 'softgrip' material which I thought looked promising. 

Im going to speak to my GP and oncologist about investigating underlying arthritis or such like. My other thumb joints are also clicking and one feels like its almost dislocating some mornings.

I find heat helps to relax the muscles, allows me to gently stretch my fingers and reduces pain and stiffness. I have my hands in basin of warm water when I get up and various times in the day.

I bought a variety of 'arthritis' gloves from Amazon ... 3 pairs. They give various degrees of gentle compression and warmth..Some are easier to get on/off than others but I use them all at different times. I also use ibuprofen gel as dont want to up my already highlevel pain relief.

I have also invested in things to reduce the strain on my hands from everyday tasks which should help lessen pain eg 'caring cutlery', electric tin opener, hot water dispenser to replace kettle, cheap food processor for chopping. They are helping ne remain independent. 

If you have any hints or tips on ways you manage please let me know. If you want details of any of mine just ask. Sometimes things look good but when you get them yiu find one bit  flummaxes you eg the knob on my new food processor is stiff and shiny so difficult to grip). 

best wishes

Buff x