Forum Discussion
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 birthday. A great present to be sure.
As ongoing treatment I take letrozole daily (2.5 mgs) as my cancer was oestrogen receptor positive. I have just had a bone density scan & been told I have osteoporosis - the doctor feels it may have been exacerbated by the Letrozole reducing my oestrogen levels. We discussed different treatments - weekly/monthly tablets, yearly injections. He also suggested my surgeon might decide to change my meds. He mentioned Tamoxifen is gentler to bones. However when I read the side effects I was a tad worried. It mentioned blood clots, uterine cancer, nausea etc. I will have a follow up with my breast surgeon to discuss but wondered if anyone had advice on this area. I've coped well on Letrozole, but maybe some of you are doing fine on Tamoxifen.
Cheers, Sue
28 Replies
- There is an oblique reference to PBS not being inline with Clinical guidelines which is probably as far as the medical profession could go. Very busy today but will find it tonight for you.I know the PBS requirements by heart - essentially the medical profession seem to suggest another category needs to be attached to concessional prices - those on AI as bone loss for newly menopausal women greatest first couple years on treatment.Sorry gtg
- @Romla I know right. I went on to read that and it doesn't even detail except if your Dr recommends. But when you get to the dexa scan place they will argue with you about it.
- Sadly wish PBS guidelines were in line too @primek
- Thanks for the link @Romla I can now argue when they don't want to know I'm on an AI that its part of guidelines now..
- Will do @Romla
- @"Sue F"
Another resource that has links within that will help you
https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/bone-health/ - No worries @Afraser. For anyone interested there are recommendations towards the end for those taking Aromatase Inhibitors.
- Many thanks @Romla. As indicated I don't have osteoporosis - my results over the last 2 years have been interesting. Some parts of my body are a bit worse, others are quite a bit better. I toyed with Prolia but the side effects added to other medication I am taking are not great and my oncologist is not recommending it. Oestrogen would do the trick of course😊!
- The new guidelines for osteoporosis were released November last year.I too take calcium and vitamin D. Here they are if you would like to read them @Afraser - they are well indexed .
https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/sites/default/files/files/20439%20Osteoporosis%20guidelines.pdf - I take both vitamin D and calcium. My cardiologist has no problem with it but that may depend on what the heart issue is - I have an arrythmia.
