Whose coping on Letrozole and what brand ? Any tips?

My oncologist is not at all concerned about my cholesterol levels. 

Just reporting back .Pain in my lower right arm was/is tennis elbow which is taking a while to improve with physio and stretching exercises as I left it quite a while before seeking medical help.Not exactly sure why I developed this injury but wondering whether this repetitive strain injury to my tendon was assisted by hormone therapy or just plain part of the ageing process.

Re Letrozole have been on Sandoz Letrozole for more than 3 months now and am feeling back to normal mentally and emotionally.From my point of view I think different fillers/ coatings may have tipped the balance for me  and will not be repurchasing the Amneal product .

I take Sandoz Letrozole...hot flushes...I take evening primrose for this and find it has helped. Muscle and joint pain, feet...shoulder pain...however did have these issues with chemo. I take Panadol Osteo when it’s really bad. And really helps me get a good nights sleep. My hair has thinned on top 🙁...ah the joys of post cancer...Not!! 

Was on Letrozole for 6 months with intermittent crippling lower back pain. It exasperated a bit of arthritis and something else ? Plus lethargy. Been on anastrozole since Dec  Energy back, migraines gone  back much better. Replaced with sore hands, especially my thumb joints right now but NOT complaining. That's why there is a choice thank goodness because we all respond differently..

I've been on Femara all along (6 years) - vaginal dryness (now using Ovestin cream) but no aches, pains, flushes or stiffness. Have taken it both morning and evening, no difference.

Hi Romla, just got my next lot which is from Pharmacor. It seems ok. Might be another one you could try.

Early days yet but been on Sandoz brand Letrozole for a month and feeling better.

@Arpie no my fingers aren't totally locking just really stiff. I can move them albeit slowly in the morning until they 'warm up'. Last winter my right thumb would give me stabbing pain whilst doing something basic as turning off my car engine or other times when i least expected it. It still happens but not with quite the same intensity. I just don't want the same situation as June July last year hence the want for a 'holiday' then.

I can relate to all that, @Blondy  -  I hope Anastrozole continues to work for you long term - I've been lucky & not had migraines!   I feel like an 80+ too!  You should see me getting out of my kayak!  It is easy getting IN .....  I only lasted 6 weeks on Letrozole tho - with unacceptable joint pain, particularly in my hands (and I've had arthritis for decades, so am already somewhat 'pain tolerant'!)  I went on to Exemestane and it took 6 months to become really painful again, plus those painful stiff fingers (which I HATE as it is affecting my uke playing!)  SO ... I'll be trying Prednisone in the lead up to the Uke Festival - and then check with my Onc possibly about Anastrozole or another alternative!  

All this for just 1% less chance of recurrence!!  I'll be discussing it with my surgeon in 2 weeks too, at my yearly checkup (one year today since surgery.)  And still getting flushes too.  grrr

I am pretty sure I've been on the one brand of Exemestane the whole time, so the coatings shouldn't be an issue - just a cumulative effect, I think.  :(  

@Artferret - do you think you are getting Trigger Finger?  Where the finger locks in a bent position & you have to use your other hand to 'unlock it'?  That is happening to me too - with my left thumb & middle fingers on my right hand.  Not just stiff & sore - locked!

I think I've been on about 5 different brands of letrozole over the 14 months I've been on it, the current one being Fera by Aspen Australia. I've not noticed a difference in any of them side effect wise. The latest achy pain that has got worse is in my right thumb joint spreading into my wrist and arm area. I'm so thankful that i had both my carpal tunnels done pre BC otherwise I'd really be up the creek without a paddle. Yes if i overdo it in the garden i pay for it but ice packs generally do the trick. I do try to let my left hand do more but i can feel the same thing happening in that hand too...damned if i do danmed if i don't! Taking pain relief is a last resort as i have enough issues digestion wise without adding those to the mix. If i keep my hands moving it helps, it's when they are locked in position like driving for over an hour that they seize up as well as my hips...and ankles... and knees...grrrr. i don't think changing brands has been the issue. I am seriously considering taking a break from the drug over winter as i could barely my hands last winter...a chat i will be having with my onc in April. Surprisingly all the weight work i do in gym helps my hands mobility but it's not a lasting fix. As much as i would love to do gym more often i know i can't...must have a days rest in between. One good thing, the hot flushes have eased to almost nothing, hope it stays that way. Good luck Romla.