Letrozole
Mahjah
Member Posts: 13 ✭
Hi, I've had my surgery, finished my radiation and now just started hormone therapy. What are people's experience with Letrozole? I've been nervous about starting hormone therapy because of all the side effects. I have depression and anxiety so a bit concerned the effect the tablets may have on that.
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My Oncologist put me on Arimidex (Anastrozole). I too was super anxious and scared, especially with the 4 page side effects handout that came with the script. 8 months later, nothing! And added bonus, I’m sleeping so much better than I have for 20yrs! 😊6
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I had ten years of Femara (Letrozole). It battered my bone density a bit (at 67, when I started, my bone density was excellent - wise to get it tested before you start) and I had vaginal dryness (may partly be due to age, as is at least some of my reduced bone density).
What I didn’t have was bone aches, joint pain, flushes, mood swings or menopausal type symptoms. Mind you, I didn’t have any of those when I was menopausal either! Like chemo, reactions to AIs vary a lot. As @swerks says, things may even improve. Bottom line, try it, see how you go, you can always stop. But nothing ventured....
Best wishes5 -
I tried letrozole, 29 tablets, too many joint and bone aches. Changed to Anastrozole, so far onto my 2nd packet, only hot flashes. Everyone is different so as Afraser said try it you can always change to another one.
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I'm about 1 half years of taking letrozole no issues that I know of.
I worry about my bones but just have to wait and see.2 -
Take the drug, see how you go , you may get no side effects or only mild ones.
Definately have a bone density scan and a full dental check up in case you have to take bone strenthening drugs.
Tell you medical team as soon as you get side effects that are bothersome and keep posting in here there is a lot of experience and support.
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Hi everyone, I’m new here.
im started letrozole 1 month ago and I have middle joint pain specially in the mornings. I found that exercises help me a lot and I hope long term does not affects my bones. I hope will improve with the days until my body accept this medicine. Blessings for every one.3 -
I have to start Letrozole on Monday. I know that I have to take it every day at the same time. Wondering what time, you are usually taking it. Morning or night. Do you take it with your other regular medication? I was told by medical team that it really does not matter, but I would like to know what your experience is. Thanks1
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I'm about 4 months into starting Letrozole and my experience is similar to Arpie's - I take it at night (it makes me a bit sick if I take it in the morning) and I got into strength and resistance exercise - mostly for my bone density - but I definitely found the exercise improved the joint pain type side effects I was getting from Letrozole.1
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Thank you Arpie and HelenlovesSnoopy. That makes sense. My McGrath nurse told me that if I take it at night, I might manage the side effects better. I will also do my exercise in the morning, so taking it at night is the way to go for me too.2
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Hi @Gorgys I started my Letrozole today, I decided to take mine in the morning along with my calcium tablet, and see how I go. No noticeable side effects today, but I suppose time will tell. I'm taking mine with food, I don't like taking medication on an empty stomach unless I have to. I also had my first Goserelin injection last week as I'm pre menopausal, and no noticeable side effects so far. I was already getting hot flushes and they don't seem any worse. I'm keeping up my exercise, and back doing aqua aerobics again.2
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I was on tamoxifen for 9 years and it took about 2 years for my body to get used to it. It stopped being enough now I have metastatic breast cancer, bugger! and have switched to letrozole. I have been taking it for 4 weeks and I have a headache and bone ache but I am hoping my body will adjust. I do take it at night. I am also on Ribociclib so who knows which side effect is which?2
