Osteoporosis & letrozole (Femara)

@sister would you let me know outcome pls

@Romla It was my Inc who told me to take it. I'll make a note to ask him about that.

@sister did Dr K specify calcium/ vit D ? I forgot to ask him about the changed osteoporosis guidelines where cardiologists not happy for it be taken as causes heart problems - clogging arteries I think.

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.

As I understand it, Tamoxifen is more suitable for pre-menopausal women but your onc would know best.  As @Afraser says, Letrozole has a known impact on bone density.  I've been on it for 2 months.  I had a bone density test prior to starting so that there is a baseline record.  My onc has instructed me to take calcium/D tablets as well.

Hi @"Sue F". I was on Tamoxifen for 4 years. I initially had a lot of menopausal symptoms ( I had chemically-induced menopause), but these dissipated,  and also some muscle tightness and cramping which persisted. Overall, though, the Tamoxifen had a low impact. Good luck!

I can't comment on Tamoxifen but, depending on what your bone density was like pre letrozole, a reduction in bone density is a known side effect of letrozole. I started over 5 years ago, my bone density was excellent (particularly for my age - 68) but it is nowhere near so good now. I don't have osteoporosis (yet) or any aches, pains or flushes but am keeping a close eye on my results and will pay for additional bone density tests to do so. Good luck with the change.