I started taking femara 3 months ago, and for a while I thought I might have been one of the lucky ones who didn't get side sffects, apart from the hot flushes. In the last couple of weeks it has dawned on me that my stiff hips and achy legs might actually be early side effects. My legs ache all day long, rather like chemo legs, or flu like legs. Also when I stand from sitting, or first get out of bed, I walk and hobble like an old lady. My hip joints get better as I move around, but my legs just ache all day. It is not severe, but is certainly there and niggling away all the time. My mid to upper back also aches everyday from about lunch time. I know I have poor posture, and my recent surgeries have had me standing poorly and I haven't returned to my exercise class yet. The back improves during the night and morning, only to get sore again later. Not sure if that has anything to do with Femara, but who knows. Does anyone take any medication that helps with the hips, or do any specific exercise to help with you with the pain and stiffness? I walk the dog daily, but probably need to do more. I also take 2 capsules of fish oil daily. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Love Chris xx

Hi, Chris I do not know if this help or not ,I been taking 4 capsules of fish oil for a while now , 2 in the morning and two in the evening , and did not get any of painfull legs or joints during chemo . So might be worth to look at increasing the fiosh oil tablets. As I said is just a sugestion hope it helps and if not i hope you'll get a remedy soon. Rgards Monica

Hi Chris I saw my oncologist yesterday and have to start on tamoxifen on Dec 1. He mentioned the side effects you are experiencing so I am also eager to hear any tips people have. At the moment I take a multivitamin and 1 high strength fish oil. In the past when I have had back problems glucosamine with fish oil has been recommended. Prior to bc I was always into sports but really struggled when my back played up. I found the best exercise for me is swimming, pilates, yoga and obviously walking the dog. Maybe see a physio or someone who can help you with gentle stretches to help with the problem areas. I have been looking onto yoga dvd's for those times when I just can't get out - will let you know if I come across a good one. Does anyone else out there have recommendations for yoga DVD? Take care Ann-Marie xx

Hi Ann- Marie, Thanks for your advice, and I will take it on board. I was wondering about Glucosamine. I also know that exercise will help, and up till when I had my surgery, I was attending a breast surgery class put on by the hospital. The physio who takes the class is great, and I know she does a pilates class, and I will be joining that as well next year. I have also been doing yoga, but stopped all of these things at the end of last term. Although I'm alot better, my rock hard boobs will hinder me, so I will wait till the next term starts, to renew my exercise program.I'm sure my lack of exercise is a major contributor to my bad back and hips. There is a new DVD put out by the BCNA Called Strengthen your Recovery. It is gentle pilates designed for post breast surgery women. It helps with arm movement and core strength, and will really help me. I need to watch it soon, as I only got hold of it yesterday. I hope yo are still recovering well each day. What is your tummy like now? Can you easily get in and out of bed, or are you still very sore? I know it is just under 2 weeks since surgery. Love Chris xx

Femara side effects | BCNA Online Network

14 Replies

ingrid_west
Member
12 years ago
Sorry thought this was an open forum, have I written on the wrong site???
ingrid_west
Member
12 years ago
I've taken Arimidex for 2 months and find the side effects to hard to handle. My fingernails have started to fall off, the aches and pains in my legs, lower back and between my shoulder blades, the night sweats and insomnia. I've decided to try natural alternatives like Organic Turmeric, Shark Cartilage and Vitamin E. I don't want the next 10-20 years to be all doom and gloom with health problems and deterioration. Onward and upward, living life to the fullest.
Chris
Member
14 years ago
Hi Jill, your expereience with Femara and bone density concerns me. I too am 53, and prior to starting femara I have had 3 bone density scans. ( one at 50 and 52 and 53 just before commencing femara ). I am already osteopoenic, which for my age, is not really good. There has been a slight worsening over the last 3 years, but now I'm on femara, it is likely to progress at a faster rate. I have been taking caltrate with vitamin D, plus an extra vitamin D for a few years now. I'm very careful not to forget these tablets now. I also walk daily for 30 to 40 mins, if it isn't raining, and have started to ride the exercise bike as well. Due to recent surgery, I have ceased my breast gym class and yoga, but do hope to resume in February once all my surgery is finished. My hips feel like they belong to an 80 year old some days, so I'm encouraged to know that you seem to have improved over the last few months. Oh, I also have been taking the fish oil like you do as well. At least I now have a base line of my bone density, so any pattern will be noticed with yearly checks. I have never had a great interest in exercise while younger, and now it is going to come back to haunt me. Love Chris xx