Osteoporosis & letrozole (Femara)
Hi there, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer July 2017. I have had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy & radiotherapy. I was given the all clear from breast cancer on 10th Aug 2018..... my 62nd bi...
Forum Discussion
I have been on Letrozole since 8/17 and managing ok. I am post menopausal and Er+ .
Prior to breast cancer I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis some years earlier. I had 2 brief interludes on bisphosphonate tablets during those years because of my osteoporosis - no more than 3 months at a time. Some time later I needed a dental extraction and found it very difficult to get help as the tablets create a significant risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw with major dental eg extractions , root canal etc.I went off the the tablets never to return because of that experience.The only person who would help was the Head of dentistry at our Uni after performing a crosslaps test to see that bone was turning over - it was. Bisphosphonates stayin your system indefinitely and one must be scrupulously careful for dental care including a major review/ treatment before commencing.
Prior to the breast cancer diagnosis I had had an osteoporotic rib fracture.Whilst painful it proved fortuitous as I was prescribed 6 monthly Prolia injections to protect my bones whilst on Letrozole..It was fortuitous as the injection cost $38 not $275.Prolia I was worried about but have found it no problem plus it only stays in the system for 6 months so I schedule dental treatments in between jabs.
Finally Prolia works together with Letrozole to prevent a recurrence.
Hope this helps - happy to answer further questions if required.
Prior to breast cancer I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis some years earlier. I had 2 brief interludes on bisphosphonate tablets during those years because of my osteoporosis - no more than 3 months at a time. Some time later I needed a dental extraction and found it very difficult to get help as the tablets create a significant risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw with major dental eg extractions , root canal etc.I went off the the tablets never to return because of that experience.The only person who would help was the Head of dentistry at our Uni after performing a crosslaps test to see that bone was turning over - it was. Bisphosphonates stayin your system indefinitely and one must be scrupulously careful for dental care including a major review/ treatment before commencing.
Prior to the breast cancer diagnosis I had had an osteoporotic rib fracture.Whilst painful it proved fortuitous as I was prescribed 6 monthly Prolia injections to protect my bones whilst on Letrozole..It was fortuitous as the injection cost $38 not $275.Prolia I was worried about but have found it no problem plus it only stays in the system for 6 months so I schedule dental treatments in between jabs.
Finally Prolia works together with Letrozole to prevent a recurrence.
Hope this helps - happy to answer further questions if required.