Letrozole side rffects

After six months on letrozole I've developed trigger finger in my right thumb which my oncologist says is a common side effect. It isn't painful but is annoying and a hindrance and makes cracking open an egg an extreme sport!

Just to clarify that letrozole and anastrozole are generic (rather than brand) name

I started Letrozole in Oct 2016, and I have stiff sore ankles, and sometimes knees, and less often,  fingers. I am just about to start on anastrozole (arimidex) instead to see if that makes a difference. It is worst early morning, after being in the car for a while, or in the evenings.  I was taking paNadal osteo,  but switched to fish oil capsules, which give about the same effect. The oncologist said a study had shown when a group of people were switched between letrozole and arimidex, about 50% experienced an improvement in side effects, the other 50% reported no change, so I will give it a try. My cholesterol had increased at last GP appointment, but not sure if it is medication related.

The good news is that both letrozole and anastrozole are available from the FBM (For Benefit Medicines) brand, where profits go back to cancer research. Here is their website

http://www.forbenefitmedicines.com.au

Usually the specific pain to aramatose inhibitors such as letrazole are in the fine bobes of hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Mimicking arthritis. I had all this initially but over 6 months improced and dramatically improved with exercise. If I'm still fir too long I'm stiff in ankles still and waddle a bit until I get moving again. Any artgritic joint you might have might be more affected...like my kbee and back but now exercising these give me very few issues. Hope the same for you.

Check out other posts for more info on letrozole in test treatments se  and health and wellbeing

For me bone soreness only a problem if exposed to extreme cold..nz last year l had to take care and notstay outside too long.otherwise ankles and armm would ache

@Artferret I too had a major spike in my cholesterol which was formerly low prior to .Letrozole. It was not something I expected either but apparently a common side effect .

HI @Willow26, I've been on it for nearly 4 months and copped the joint pain, muscle stiffness mainly in the hands, but also in hips and ankles, plus higher cholesterol. Currently i'm at the gym 3 times a week, totally 3 hours doing medium to high intensity exercise and it does help heaps. Plus i walk our dog every day. It's at it worst in the morning before I get up particularly in my hands but i have found since going to the gym i have more flexibility in my knuckles. Having all this, i did have issues in my hands and hips beforehand due to menopause so it could be that the drug has just exacerbated what was already there. As for the cholesterol, that one was out of left field. Good luck!

Oops lower back pain too. ie for me it’s been somewhat random

Hi @Willow26 I have been taking Letrozole since August 2017. I have had joint pain hips , knees and ankles but I was also osteoporotic before treatment and had had a fracture.I find two things helpful a bi- weekly Stretch and Balance class and walking for an hour per day. The walking seems to enable me to walk thru discomfort after 15 or so minutes - I am far from athletic but have learnt how important this is to my health from having break from it for a variety of reasons over Christmas.I Also was advised by the medical oncologist at the outset when I expressed concern about joint pain to take Krill oil tablets which I do daily. Hope this helps there are a multitude of side effects with our treatment but they do not effect all of us in the same way or indeed as Afraser has indicated she has had no problems at all. For me it is the best protection I have against recurrence and that is why I will stay on it. Happy to answer any questions I can.

I have been on it for 5 years with no joint or bone soreness. It seems common with other users, but just saying it's not automatic! Best of luck.