I found this chart a while back, when researching Hormone Therapy/AI side effects - and thought this a good one with most of the oestrogen blocking meds on the one page, in groups, & showing 'most' of the side effects in an easy to read format.Please note - I wrote the 4 'boxes' of info along the top - with the alternative tablet names and explanations of the different groups of tablets.If you have MORE symptoms than listed here, feel free to add to the list in the comments below! (I can even add more dots if you like!)For Aromasin/Exemestane - I can add:Dry EyesExtreme Hand and thumb painHand and thumb weakness - inability to hold/open things - I can't even tear open an envelope!Weight gainOccasional Back Pain (that I will be keeping an eye on!)

It may be easier to have a chart that shows what these drugs dont do. That's a joke. I think :/

Vision problems should be added to Tamoxifen. My eyesight is shot and is getting worse and I now have floaters in one eye. Comment from optometrist "quite common on this med". Also bone, joint,back pain, dizziness and hypercalcemia (when taken with calcium supplements commonly prescribed by numerous GP's who don't know any better and think its works the same as an AI). Duh. Actually, bugger it @arpie. Just tick em all for me pls......grumble grumblehttps://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/watch-ocular-effects-of-breast-cancer-drugs

Side effects are so variable, anyone starting letrozole or tamoxifen wouldn’t know what to think. The best advice can only be to try it and see how you go over a reasonable period of time. I do have bone thinning and vaginal dryness on letrozole but no aches, pains, flushes, hair thinning or increased cholesterol. I dohave lymphoedema (not related toletrozole!) and the soft skin on my affected arm is often remarked on as a sign of my vigilance in moisturising, as dry and hardened skin can be a problem. But to be honest, I moisturise very irregularly, no skin dryness. All we do know is that the medication may make a difference about remaining cancer free and so we individually have to decide when the side effects outweigh those potential benefits.

Hi @melclarity Femara/Letrozole was already on the original list as 'weight gain' side effect and I added it to Aromasin/Exemestane as I personally have noticed it with my own weight gain & am pretty sure others had mentioned it along the way. I am not sure who is on Arimidex/Anastrozole who've put side effects up anywhere. Happy to add any that they feel should be on the list ;)

I like porridge...as long as it's hot.

A side effect Chart for most of the Hormone/AI tablets ... on one page

Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Interesting that vaginal dryness/atrophy is not on the list. Dry skin isn't really the same.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
I can add it, @Afraser - but then it is not the original list & everyone needs to know this! What medication are you on that resulted in this?

I will wait & see what else is mentioned & will update it so that it is 'real to us'!!
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Femara - known side effect. Many thanks @arpie
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Arpie do you mind if I put that on the Facebook group I admin on ?
Sarnicad
Member
7 years ago
@arpie I’m on Arimidex and the side effect lists I was given included vaginal discharge/bleeding which came with an onc warning of if you have these call me!
Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
I’m sure this has to be a tamoxifen side effect - bloated and retaining fluid like a camel. Can still fit into the same size clothes (just) but have to squish and shove the bloated/fluidy bits in and feel like I’m starting to get some low level constipation after 8 months on it. Currently researching things to help with bloating :/.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
No worries @SoldierCrab - but maybe wait til I've added all the extra symptoms not mentioned ..... I'll give it a few more days & then put up the 'amended one'.

The 'added' symptoms, I will show as a 'x', so it is easy to see the 'original ones' vs the 'new ones'

@Afraser @Sarnicad @"Kiwi Angel" - thanks for that - all added (as well as my sore hands/thumb and memory loss/confusion!)
Artferret
Member
7 years ago
It's an amazing website, @arpie. I came across that table a while ago as well as heaps of other info.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
I agree @Artferret, breastcancer.org is fab.
Brenda5
Member
7 years ago
The side effects I dropped after I got off of tamoxifen and went on to letrozole I gained back when I went on heart pills lol. You can't win.